Systems and methods for unified presentation and sharing of on-demand, live, or social activity monitoring content

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and non-transitory computer readable media configured to provide a respective customized portal and a respective unique user identifier for each of a plurality of respective celebrity users of a media system, the media system capable of providing media content, social content, and market content to a first set of users of the media system, each of the respective customized portals being at least partially controlled by the respective celebrity user. One or more content items presented through a first respective customized portal are identified. A purchase transaction request is received from a particular user of the first set of users for a first content item of the one or more content items presented through the first respective customized portal. The purchase transaction request is processed. The processing includes receiving an indication of a payment amount associated with the purchase transaction request, the payment amount being paid by the particular user or an entity associated with the particular user; identifying one or more respective celebrity users of the plurality of respective celebrity users associated with the purchase transaction request; determining, based on one or more compensation rules and the payment amount, a respective celebrity compensation amount for each of the one or more respective celebrity users associated with the purchase transaction request, each of the celebrity compensation amounts being determined at substantially the same time as the indication of the payment amount paid by the particular user is received; and providing, in response to the determining, each of the celebrity compensation amounts to the respective celebrity users based on the respective unique user identifiers of the respective celebrity users associated with the purchase transaction request.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/832,594, filed Dec. 5, 2017, entitled “Systems and Methodsfor Unified Presentation of On-Demand, Live, Social or Market Content,”and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/832,598, filed Dec. 5, 2017, entitled “Systems and Methods forUnified Presentation of A Smart Bar on Interfaces Including On-Demand,Live, Social or Market Content,” and a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/832,602, filed Dec. 5, 2017, entitled“Systems and Methods for Unified Presentation of Stadium Mode UsingOn-Demand, Live, Social or Market Content,” and a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/832,607, filed Dec. 5, 2017,entitled “Systems and Methods for Unified Presentation of SynchronizedOn-Demand, Live, Social or Market Content,” the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to systems for presenting content. Morespecifically, this disclosure pertains to unified presentation andsharing of on-demand, live, social or market content.

BACKGROUND

Under conventional approaches, multiple devices are required to performdifferent electronic activities. For example, a TV may be required topresent live sporting events, a computer or mobile device (e.g.,smartphone) may be required to communicate with friends or stream mediacontent, and/or the like. Additionally, multiple devices are typicallyneeded in order to perform different electronic activitiessimultaneously (e.g., presenting a live sporting event and communicatingwith friends), and the multiple devices typically are not nativelycompatible.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods,and non-transitory computer readable media configured to provide arespective customized portal and a respective unique user identifier foreach of a plurality of respective celebrity users of a media system, themedia system capable of providing media content, social content, andmarket content to a first set of users of the media system, each of therespective customized portals being at least partially controlled by therespective celebrity user. One or more content items presented through afirst respective customized portal are identified. A purchasetransaction request is received from a particular user of the first setof users for a first content item of the one or more content itemspresented through the first respective customized portal. The purchasetransaction request is processed. The processing includes receiving anindication of a payment amount associated with the purchase transactionrequest, the payment amount being paid by the particular user or anentity associated with the particular user; identifying one or morerespective celebrity users of the plurality of respective celebrityusers associated with the purchase transaction request; determining,based on one or more compensation rules and the payment amount, arespective celebrity compensation amount for each of the one or morerespective celebrity users associated with the purchase transactionrequest, each of the celebrity compensation amounts being determined atsubstantially the same time as the indication of the payment amount paidby the particular user is received; and providing, in response to thedetermining, each of the celebrity compensation amounts to therespective celebrity users based on the respective unique useridentifiers of the respective celebrity users associated with thepurchase transaction request.

In some embodiments, the one or more respective celebrity users of theplurality of respective celebrity users associated with the purchasetransaction request include the respective celebrity user at leastpartially controlling the first customized portal. In some embodiments,the one or more respective celebrity users of the plurality ofrespective celebrity users associated with the purchase transactionrequest include one or more second respective celebrity users linked tothe purchase transaction request, the linking being based on a link pathresulting in the receiving of the purchase transaction request. In someembodiments, the link path is based on the respective customized portalsvisited by the particular user within a predetermined amount of timeprior to the purchase transaction request being received from theparticular user.

In some embodiments, the celebrity compensation amount is provided atsubstantially the same time as payment amount is paid.

In some embodiments, the one or more celebrity compensation rules definethe respective compensation amounts as a percentage of the paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request. In someembodiments, the one or more celebrity compensation rules define therespective compensation amounts as a percentage of the payment amountassociated with the purchase transaction request and a respectiveposition within the link path.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods,and non-transitory computer readable media configured to provide arespective customized portal and a respective unique user identifier foreach of a plurality of respective celebrity users of a media system, themedia system capable of providing media content, social content, andmarket content to a first set of users of the media system, each of therespective customized portals being at least partially controlled by therespective celebrity user. One or more content items presented through afirst respective customized portal are identified. A purchasetransaction request is received from a particular user of the first setof users for a first content item of the one or more content itemspresented through the first respective customized portal. The purchasetransaction request is processed. The processing includes receiving anindication of a payment amount associated with the purchase transactionrequest, the payment amount being paid by the particular user or anentity associated with the particular user; identifying one or morerespective celebrity users of the plurality of respective celebrityusers associated with the purchase transaction request; determining,based on one or more compensation rules and the payment amount, arespective celebrity compensation amount for each of the one or morerespective celebrity users associated with the purchase transactionrequest, each of the celebrity compensation amounts being determined atsubstantially the same time as the indication of the payment amount paidby the particular user is received; and providing, in response to thedetermining, each of the celebrity compensation amounts to therespective celebrity users based on the respective unique useridentifiers of the respective celebrity users associated with thepurchase transaction request.

In some embodiments, the one or more respective celebrity users of theplurality of respective celebrity users associated with the purchasetransaction request include the respective celebrity user at leastpartially controlling the first customized portal. In some embodiments,the one or more respective celebrity users of the plurality ofrespective celebrity users associated with the purchase transactionrequest include one or more second respective celebrity users linked tothe purchase transaction request, the linking being based on a link pathresulting in the receiving of the purchase transaction request. In someembodiments, the link path is based on the respective customized portalsvisited by the particular user within a predetermined amount of timeprior to the purchase transaction request being received from theparticular user.

In some embodiments, the celebrity compensation amount is provided atsubstantially the same time as payment amount is paid.

In some embodiments, the one or more celebrity compensation rules definethe respective compensation amounts as a percentage of the paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request.

In some embodiments, the one or more celebrity compensation rules definethe respective compensation amounts as a percentage of the paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request and a respectiveposition within the link path.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods,and non-transitory computer readable media configured to display alimited celebrity portal interface that includes a set of first visualsindicating a first celebrity user, and a second set of visualsindicating a set of content items associated with the first celebrityuser, and a subscription icon, the limited celebrity portal interfacebeing at least partially controlled by the first celebrity user.Responsive to receiving a selection of the subscription icon, overlayinga celebrity portal subscription interface over a portion of the limitedcelebrity poral interface, the celebrity portal subscription interfaceincluding a first set of visual prompts for completing registration of anon-celebrity user registration to access a set of subscribed celebrityportal interfaces at least partially controlled by the first celebrityuser. Responsive to receiving input corresponding to the first set ofvisual prompts, verifying the input. Responsive to a successfulverification of the input, displaying a first subscribed celebrityportal interface of the set of subscribed celebrity portal interfacesincluding a third set of visuals indicating one or more second celebrityusers linked to the first celebrity user, and a fourth set of visualsindicating one or more activities of the first celebrity user.

In some embodiments, the first set of visuals comprise an image of alikeness of the first celebrity user.

In some embodiments, the set of content items include any of videos,movies, music, video games, and television shows.

In some embodiments, the set of content items are selected by the firstcelebrity user.

In some embodiments, the verifying the input comprises processing afinancial transaction.

In some embodiments, the second set of visuals comprise a set of icons,each of the icons indicating particular digital content endorsed by thefirst celebrity user.

In some embodiments, the one or more activities include one or moreinstant communication messages with one or more of the second celebrityusers, movies that the first celebrity user is watching, video games thefirst celebrity user is playing, and music the first celebrity user islistening to.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to provide, responsive to receiving aselection of any of the first visuals, second visuals, third visuals,and fourth visuals, a sharing interface for sharing associated contentwith one or more of the second celebrity users.

In some embodiments, the set of subscribed celebrity portal interfacesincludes an instant communication region displaying one or morecommunication messages between the first celebrity user and one or moreof the second celebrity users.

In some embodiments, the set of subscribed celebrity portal interfacesincludes an exclusive content region displaying digital contentexclusive to the first celebrity user.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods,and non-transitory computer readable media configured to monitor firstuser activity of a first set of users on a media system, the first setof users being associated with a first set of system privileges, themedia system capable of providing media content, social content, andmarket content to the first set of users, the first user activity of thefirst set of users including instant communication messages transmittedthrough the media system between a plurality of users of the first setof users, media consumed by at least a first user of the first set ofusers through the media system, and purchases made through the mediasystem by at least the first user of the first set of users. Second useractivity of a second set of users on the media system is monitored, thesecond set of users being associated with a second set of systemprivileges, the second user activity of the second set of usersincluding instant communication messages transmitted through the mediasystem between a plurality of users of the second set of users, mediaconsumed by at least a second user of the second set of users throughthe media system, and content items endorsed by at least the second userof the second set of users. A first update of a personal portal of themedia system is caused, the personal portal being associated with thefirst user of the first set of users, the first update being based onthe monitoring of the first user activity of the first set of users onthe media system. A second update of a celebrity portal of the mediasystem, is caused the celebrity portal being associated with the seconduser of the second set of users, the second update being based on themonitoring of the second user activity of the second set of users on themedia system.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to share at least a portion of the first useractivity with one or more other users of the first set of users linkedto the first user, the causing the first update being based on thesharing.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to share at least a portion of the second useractivity with one or more other users of the second set of users linkedto the second user, the causing the second update being based on thesharing.

In some embodiments, the media content includes streaming media,on-demand media content, live media content, broadcast media content,video games, and music.

In some embodiments, the market content includes digital media andphysical goods available for purchase through the media system.

In some embodiments, the media consumed comprises historical and currentmedia consumption.

In some embodiments, the first user activity includes one or more usersof the second set of users that the first user is subscribed to.

In some embodiments, the instant communication messages originating fromany of the second set of users are limited to being sent to one or moreother users of the second set of users.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods,and non-transitory computer readable media configured to display a firstscreen interface of a personal portal of a media system, the mediasystem capable of providing media content, social content, and marketcontent to users of the media system, the first screen interfaceincluding a communication initiation region, a linked user region, anadvertisement region, and a user activity region, the communicationinitiation region including a set of first visuals indicating aplurality of different selectable types of digital communication, thelinked user region including a set of second visuals indicating a set ofsecond users linked to the first user, and the user activity regionincluding a third set of visuals indicating user activity of the firstuser, the personal portal being at least partially controlled by thefirst user. Responsive to receiving a selection of an instantcommunication visual of the set of visuals, overlaying an instantcommunication region over a portion of the first screen interface of thepersonal portal, prompting the user to select a particular user from theset of second users linked to the first user, and establishing aninstant communication session between the first user and the selectedparticular user.

In some embodiments, the user activity includes movies the first user iswatching, video games the first user in playing, and music the firstuser is listening to.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to overlay a notification region including oneor more notification visuals.

In some embodiments, the notification region is configured to displaynotification visuals indicating notifications associated with useractivity of one or more of the second users linked to the first user,system update notifications, live programming notifications, andcommunication notifications.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to overlay, responsive to receiving aselection of a video chat visual of the set of visuals, a video chatregion over a portion of the first screen interface of the personalportal.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to overlay, responsive to receiving aselection of an electronic mail visual of the set of visuals, anelectronic mail region over a portion of the first screen interface ofthe personal portal.

In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured to display, responsive to user input, asharing interface, the sharing interface capable of sharing useractivity of the first user, notifications of the first user, instantcommunication messages of the first user, purchase history of the firstuser, and one or more celebrity users the first user is following.

Described herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media related to display of user-specific navigation screenupon start of a media content display system. A system comprises aplayback engine and an interactive programming guide engine. Theplayback engine is configured to present media content through a displaydevice. The interactive programming guide engine is configured togenerate a user profile based on user interaction with the media contentpresented by the playback engine, transmit the user profile to anexternal system, and responsive to the transmitted user profile, receivedata of user-specific content options that are generated based on theuser profile. The interactive programming guide engine is furtherconfigured to generate a user-specific navigation screen based on thedata of the received user-specific content options, and cause theuser-specific navigation screen to be displayed on the display deviceupon start of the system.

In some embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine is furtherconfigured to receive user-specific advertisement content, responsive tothe transmitted user profile, generate a user-specific advertisementscreen based on the received user-specific advertisement content, andcause the user-specific advertisement screen to be displayed along withthe user-specific navigation screen.

In some embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine causes theuser-specific navigation screen to be displayed on the display device inresponse to user login. In some embodiments, the interactive programmingguide engine causes the user-specific navigation screen to be displayedon the display device before a non-user-specific navigation screen isdisplayed on the display device.

In some embodiments, the user-specific navigation screen includes aplurality of selectable panels each of which corresponds to a mediacontent that is capable of being presented by the playback engine. Insome embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine is furtherconfigured to cause the user-specific navigation screen displayed on thedisplay device to transition to a media screen associated with mediacontent corresponding to one of the selectable panels that is selected.In some embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine causes theuser-specific navigation screen displayed on the display device totransition to the media screen without a non-user-specific navigationscreen being displayed on the display device therebetween. In someembodiments, the plurality of selectable panels include a first panelrepresenting a first media content and a second panel representing asecond media content that has involved less user interaction than thefirst media content, wherein the first panel is larger than the secondpanel. In some embodiments, the plurality of selectable panels include afirst panel representing a first media content and a second panelrepresenting a second media content that has involved less userinteraction than the first media content, wherein the first panel islocated at a position closer to a center of the user-specific navigationscreen than the second panel is.

In some embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine transmitsthe user profile to the external system periodically, and receives thedata of user-specific content options periodically.

Described herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured related to display of a graphical userinterface (GUI) associated with media content that is displayed. Asystem comprises a GUI engine. The GUI engine may be configured toidentify content parameters of media content that is currentlypresented, and identify one or more functions that are availablespecifically for the media content based on the identified contentparameters. The engine may be further configured to generate, based onthe one more identified functions, GUI data for display of a GUI thatselectively includes one or more selectable objects for selecting theone or more identified functions, respectively. The engine may bereceive an input to start a GUI function, and in response to the input,cause a display device coupled to the system to display the GUI based onthe generated GUI data.

In some embodiments, the GUI engine may be further configured to receivean input to select one of the one or more selectable objects in the GUIdisplayed on the display device, andin response to the input, select oneof the one or more selectable objects, and cause the display device todisplay a screen associated with an available function corresponding tothe selected one of the one or more selectable objects. In someembodiments, the screen associated with the available functioncorresponding to the selected one of the one or more selectable objectsis displayed together with the GUI.

In some embodiments, the engine may be further configured to repeatedlycarry out identification of the content parameters, identification ofthe one or more functions that are available, and generation of the GUIdata, until the input to start the GUI function is received.

In some embodiments, the engine may be further configured to carry outidentification of the content parameters, identification of the one ormore functions that are available, and generation of the GUI data, inresponse to the input to start the GUI function.

In some embodiments, the content parameters include one or more of achannel that is currently selected, a program that is currentlypresented on the channel, and content that is currently presented in theprogram. In some embodiments, the GUI displayed by the display devicedoes not include one or more objects corresponding to one or morefunctions that are unavailable for the media content. In someembodiments, the GUI displayed by the display device is overlaid ondisplay content that has been displayed by the display device beforedisplaying the GUI.

In some embodiments, the GUI displayed by the display device alsoincludes one or more selectable objects corresponding to one or morefunctions that are available regardless of the media content. In someembodiments, in the GUI displayed by the display device, the one or moreselectable objects for selecting the one or more identified functionsare displayed with emphasis with respect to the one or more selectableobjects corresponding to one or more functions that are availableregardless of the media content.

Described herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured related to display of media content andadvertisement content separately. A system comprises an advertisementseparation engine. The advertisement separation engine is configured toreceive an input to start an advertisement separation function, whenmedia content including interruption by advertisement is presented in ascreen, and in response to the input, obtain the media content with lessor no interruption of advertisement and advertisement content that isgenerated separately from the media content. The advertisementseparation engine is further configured to switch the screen includingthe media content including interruption of advertisement to a newscreen including a first sub-screen in which the obtained media contentwith less or no interruption by advertisement is displayed and a secondsub-screen in which the obtained advertisement content is displayed.

In some embodiments, the advertisement separation engine is furtherconfigured to obtain, in response to the input, non-advertisementcontent that is generated separately from the media content andassociated with the media content. The advertisement content isdisplayed in the second sub-screen in a first time period and thenon-advertisement content is displayed in the second sub-screen in asecond time period. In some embodiments, the non-advertisement contentincludes metadata of the media content that is displayed in the firstsub-screen.

In some embodiments, the advertisement separation engine is furtherconfigured to obtain non-advertisement content that is generatedseparately from the media content and associated with the media content,when the advertisement content is displayed in the second sub-screen,and upon obtaining the non-advertisement content, switch theadvertisement content displayed in the second sub-screen to thenon-advertisement content.

In some embodiments, the advertisement content is associated with themedia content. In some embodiments, the advertisement content isassociated with a user profile. In some embodiments, the advertisementcontent is a sequence of a plurality of still images that containdifferent advertisement objects. In some embodiments, the advertisementcontent includes one or more still images and does not include videoimages. In some embodiments, the media content is live media content. Insome embodiments, an aspect ratio of the first sub-screen is equal to anaspect ratio of the screen including the media content includinginterruption of advertisement.

Described herein include systems, methods, and non-transitory computerreadable media configured related to synchronized presentation of mediacontent. A system comprises a playback engine, a communication engine,and a synchronized presentation engine. The playback engine isconfigured to present content on a display device. The communicationengine is configured to communicate externally. The synchronizedpresentation engine is configured to set up a group of users asparticipants of a synchronized presentation session. The synchronizedpresentation engine is further configured cause the playback engine topresent first media content on the display device upon start of thesynchronized presentation session. The synchronized presentation engineis further configured cause the communication engine to transmit asignal to external systems associated with one or more of theparticipants upon start of the synchronized presentation session, suchthat the external systems associated with the one or more of theparticipants present second media content synchronized with the firstmedia content.

In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine is furtherconfigured to receive a user input to select the first media content asselected media content to be presented during the synchronizedpresentation session. The synchronized presentation engine is furtherconfigured to determine whether or not a user of the system isauthorized to access the selected media content, wherein upondetermining that the user of the system is authorized to access theselected media content, the synchronized presentation engine causes theplayback engine to present first media content on the display device. Insome embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine is furtherconfigured to generate, upon determining that the user of the system isauthorized to access the selected media content, a prompt for the userto perform transaction to acquire access to the selected media content.

In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine is furtherconfigured to determine whether or not one or more of the participantsassociated with the external systems are authorized to access theselected media content, wherein upon determining that the one or more ofthe participants associated with the external systems are authorized toaccess the selected media content, the synchronized presentation enginecauses the communication engine to transmit the signal to the externalsystems. In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine isfurther configured to cause, upon determining that the one or more ofthe participants associated with the external systems are not authorizedto access the selected media content, a prompt to be generated on one ormore of the external systems, such that the one or more of theparticipants associated with said one or more of the external systemsare prompted to perform transaction to acquire access to the selectedmedia content.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a social interfaceengine configured to establish a friend connection with one or moreusers, wherein the synchronized presentation engine determines the groupof users based on the one or more users having the friend connection. Insome embodiments, the social interface engine is further configured tocause a graphical user interface (GUI) for instant message among theparticipant be displayed on the display device during the synchronizedpresentation session.

In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine is furtherconfigured to limit control of playback during the synchronizedpresentation session by the external systems.

In some embodiments, the first media content and the second mediacontent include the same content in a first time period during thesynchronized presentation session and different content in a second timeperiod during the synchronized presentation session. In someembodiments, the first media content includes first content overlaid onsynchronized content, and the second media content includes secondcontent overlaid on the synchronized content.

These and other features of the systems, methods, and non-transitorycomputer readable media disclosed herein, as well as the methods ofoperation and functions of the related elements of structure and thecombination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become moreapparent upon consideration of the following description and theappended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all ofwhich form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numeralsdesignate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to beexpressly understood, however, that the drawings are for purposes ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of an example system for providing unifiedpresentation of on-demand, live, social or market content according tosome embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an example of an media platform systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of an example of a media, social and marketdelivery system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example graphical user interfacenavigational flow of a media platform system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of an example of a display corresponding toa smart bar according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of two smart bars in two different statesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a screen 700 displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object for splittingscreen was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object forinteracting with friends was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object for using animaging device was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object for accessingaudio content was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object for apurchasing mode was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a screen displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object foradditional functions was selected according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operation for asmart bar function according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a screen that is displayed when astadium mode is activated according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an example of screen transition to activate astadium mode.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of operation of astadium mode according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a billboard screen that is displayedwhen a media platform system is started according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate an example of screen transition including abillboard screen according to some embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of displayinginitial screens after start of a media platform system according to someembodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example of systems to carry out a synchronizedpresentation according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an example of screen transition for socialcommunication according to some embodiments.

FIG. 30 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of carrying outsynchronized presentation among a plurality of client systems accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a screen that is displayed when asplit screen mode is activated according to some embodiments.

FIG. 32 illustrates another example of a screen that is displayed when asplit screen mode is activated according to some embodiments.

FIG. 33 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of carrying out asplit screen mode according to some embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a diagram of an example computer system for implementing thefeatures disclosed herein according to some embodiments.

FIG. 35A-C illustrates an example screen transition for presentingcelebrity profiles.

FIG. 36 illustrates an example screen of a limited celebrity portalinterface.

FIG. 37A-C illustrates an example screen transition for subscribing to acelebrity profile.

FIG. 38 illustrates an example screen of a subscribed celebrity portalinterface.

FIG. 39 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of subscribing to acelebrity portal interface.

FIGS. 40A-40F illustrate an example screen transition for users topurchase celebrity endorsed products.

FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of purchasingcelebrity endorsed products.

FIGS. 42A-42G illustrate an example screen transition for users topurchase products through a media system.

FIG. 43 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of celebritycompensation of a media platform system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of celebritycompensation of a media platform system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 45 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of graphical userinterface navigational flow and operation of a celebrity portal of amedia system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 46 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of monitoring andsharing user activity and content consumption on a media systemaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 47 illustrates a flowchart of an example graphical user interfacenavigational flow and operation of a personal portal of a media systemaccording to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the current system are capable of providing users with aunified experience allowing users to perform a variety of differentelectronic activities within a unified platform. For example, theunified platform may comprise an agnostic operating system that may beincorporated within a set-top device, mobile device, computer, and/orthe like.

In some embodiments, a system is provided that allows users to easilynavigate through graphical user interfaces (or, “screens”) to performdifferent electronic activities presented on a TV or other outputsystem. Electronic activities (or, “activities”) may include streaminglive and/or on-demand media items (or, “content”), connecting andcommunicating with friends, purchasing products, receiving targetedadvertisements, and/or performing other actions described elsewhereherein. In various embodiments, users may be able to perform any numberof electronic activities within a single display screen (e.g., a TVscreen) through a split presentation mode. For example, the system mayprovide separate windows within a single display screen (e.g., a TVscreen) for performing different activities (e.g., streaming a livesporting event in a first window, and streaming an on-demand movie in asecond window). The system may provide any number of such windows. Theseand other features are described further below.

In some embodiments, the system provides personal portals including avariety of associated graphical user interfaces. The personal portalsmay allow users to share their activities with other users, communicatewith other users, and subscribe to and/or follow celebrity users. Asused herein, celebrity users are associated with a correspondingcelebrity (e.g., Robert Downey Jr) and/or entity (e.g., representativeand/or organization) associated with the celebrity. Celebrity users mayhave to be pre-approved (e.g., by an administrator), and may access todifferent functionality than regular users. Celebrities may includeactors, musicians, and/or other predetermined category meeting athreshold criteria (e.g., as defined by an administrator).

In some embodiments, the system provides celebrity portals to presentexclusive content, endorse products (e.g., media content, physicalgoods), receive instant (or, near instant) compensation for productspurchased the system (e.g., products they endorse, products presentedthrough their portal, and/or the like). For example, the system maycompensate celebrity users at the same time, or substantially same time,as a product is purchased through the system.

In some embodiments, the system may provide social networking featuresand/or monitoring of social networking features. For example, users maybe able communicate with other users, share their activity, view otherusers activity (e.g., activities presented through personal portalsand/or celebrity portals), and/or the like. Similarly, the system maymonitor such features. The monitored information may be used to providenotifications (e.g., notify a user of a friend's activity), and performrelated functionality.

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram 100 of an example system for providingunified presentation of on-demand, live, social or market contentaccording to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 1, the systemincludes media provider systems 102-1 to 102-N (individually, the mediaprovider system 104, collectively, the media provider systems 104),advertisement provider systems 104-1 to 104-N (individually, theadvertisement provider system 104, collectively, the advertisementprovider systems 104), media platform systems 106-1 to 106-N(individually, the media platform system 106, collectively, the mediaplatform systems 106), media, social and market delivery system 108, anda communication network 110.

The media provider systems 102 may function to store and provide mediaitems 120. As used herein, “media items” may be referred to simply asmedia, content, and/or content items. Media items 120 may include live,on-demand, stream-enabled, and/or broadcast media items For example,media items 120 may include movies, videos, music, games, pictures,images, text, social media feeds, audiovisual items, and/or other typesof media items. In some embodiments, functionality of the media providersystems 102 are performed by one or more servers, workstations, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, mobile devices, or the like. In someembodiments, the media provider systems 102 comprise cloud-basedsystems. For example, the media provider systems 102 may comprise aNetflix, HBO NOW, and/or other remote systems.

The advertisement provider systems 104 may function to store and provideadvertisements 130. For example, the advertisements 130 may includeimages, pictures, video, banners, logos, text, and/or the like.Advertisements may be presented during playback of media items 120,during user registration, login, and/or the like, as described elsewhereherein. In some embodiments, functionality of the advertisement providersystems 104 are performed by one or more servers, workstations, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, mobile devices, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the advertisement provider systems 104 comprise cloud-basedsystems.

The media platform systems 106 may function to provide a platform forpresenting (e.g., streaming and/or otherwise playing back) media,allowing users to connect and communicate with friends, purchaseproducts, and/or the like. As used herein, the term “media” may refer tomedia items 120, delivery system media items 154 (discussed elsewhereherein), and/or advertisements 130. In some embodiments, the mediaplatform systems 106 may be incorporated within set-top devices, mobiledevices, and/or other computing devices.

In some embodiments, the media platform systems 106 may include mediaplatform system interfaces 140 to facilitate streaming and/or presentingmedia, and/or otherwise communicating with one or more remote systems(e.g., the media provider systems 102, the advertisement providersystems 104, the media, social and market delivery system 108, and/orthe like). The interfaces described herein may include applicationprogramming interfaces (APIs), software development kits (SDKs), sourcecode, machine code, and/or server stubs.

In some embodiments, a media platform system 106 generates and/orotherwise provides an interactive programming guide capable ofpresenting graphical user interfaces through which a user may navigateto various screens to perform electronic activities. The individualgraphical user interfaces may be context-based. For example, theinteractive programming guide may generate graphical user interfacesbased on user account information 152, celebrity account information153, and/or currently available features (e.g., features requiring anetwork may be presented only if an active network connection isdetected), as discussed elsewhere herein. An example flow capable ofbeing generated and/or navigated by the interactive programming guide isshown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, a media platform system 106 generates a billboardgraphical user interface (or, simply, “billboard” or “billboardscreen”). The media platform system 106 may dynamically generate thebillboard screen in response to a user logging in to a media platformsystem 106 (e.g., by entering username/password credential that averified by the media, social and market delivery system 108). Since itis dynamically generated, different users, or the same user logging inat different times, may be presented with a different billboard screen.In some embodiments, the billboard screen is capable of providing a userwith media options that are associated with the user and enables theuser to more efficiently proceed to screens and/or media items that theuser is interested in. In one embodiment, the billboard screen isdisplayed before a main menu screen is displayed.

In some embodiments, a media platform system 106 functions to generatecontext-specific graphical user interface navigation tools. For example,the media platform system 106 may generate a smart bar for display on asuitable output subsystem of the media platform system 106 (e.g., a TV).In one example, the smart bar may be a content-specific graphical userinterface that dynamically changes display media therein based on mediapresented to a user. The smart bar is formed in an applicable directiondepending on various criteria. For example, the smart bar extendshorizontally or vertically depending on an aspect ratio of a displaydevice for displaying media content. In another example, the smart barextends horizontally or vertically depending on user setting. In stillanother example, the smart bar is formed in a fixed direction. Further,the smart bar is positioned at an applicable position depending onvarious criteria. For example, the smart bar is positioned at a bottomedge or a top edge of the entire screen depending on media content to bedisplayed on the main screen. In another example, the smart bar ispositioned at a user-specified position. In still another example, thesmart bar is positioned at a fixed position. Moreover, the smart bar isin an applicable size depending on various criteria. For example, thesmart bar is in an applicable size depending on various criteria. Forexample, the smart bar is in a full screen size (e.g., extending theentire screen) or in a smaller screen size (than the full screen size)depending on media content displayed on the main screen. In anotherexample, the smart bar is in a user-specified size. In still anotherexample, the smart bar is in a fixed size.

In some embodiments, a media platform system 106 functions to presenton-demand and/or live media items 120 (e.g., a basketball game). Themedia platform system 106 may also provide a “stadium mode” that enablesa user to watch media items 120 without advertisement interruption in amain screen, and provides an advertisement item 130 in a differentportion of the screen (e.g., a portion dedicated to a banneradvertisement 130). In one embodiment, the stadium mode can be activatedby selecting a selectable object corresponding to the stadium mode in asmart bar. In some embodiments, the portion of the presented media item120 that would typically be associated with a commercial break, or otheradvertisement break, can be associated with other media (e.g., a livefeed of an arena during a basketball game, sideline interviews, and/orthe like) while in stadium mode.

In some embodiments, the media platform system 106 functions to providesplit presentation capabilities. Generally, split presentation allowsthe user to view multiple activities within a single display screen(e.g., TV screen). For example, one or more activities may be presentedin different portions (e.g., windows) of the same display screen. Itwill be appreciated that any of the functionalities described herein(e.g., streaming, stadium mode, smart bar, and/or the like) may beperformed simultaneously and/or in parallel using split presentation. Inone example, a first window may display a movie, while a second windowmay display a sports program. Any number of such windows may beprovided. In some embodiments, each portion of the split presentationmay be executed by a different thread and/or set of threads. This mayallow, for example, faster and/or more efficient execution of splitpresentation.

In some embodiments, a media platform system 106 functions to overlaymedia. For example, a user may select a first media stream (e.g., avideo of a basketball game) and overlay and/or combine one or moreadditional media streams with the first media stream (e.g., music,third-party audio commentary, and/or the like). This may allow, forexample, the user to achieve a more customized experience. For example,the user may view a live basketball and listen to audio commentaryprovided by a third-party instead of the audio commentary provided withthe first video stream.

The media, social and market delivery system 108 may function tofacilitate provision of media to media platform systems 106. In someembodiments, functionality of the media, social and market deliverysystem 108 is performed by one or more servers, workstations, desktopcomputers, laptop computers, mobile devices, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the media, social and market delivery system 108 comprisesa cloud-based system. In some embodiments, the media, social and marketdelivery system 108 utilizes one or more delivery system interfaces 150to facilitate communication between media provider systems 102,advertisement provider systems 104, and/or media platform systems 106.

In some embodiments, the media, social and market delivery system 108stores user account information 152. The user account information 152may be associated with users of the media platform systems 106. Forexample, the user account information 152 may include account name,account credentials (e.g., username/password), account subscriptions(e.g., HBO subscription), purchased media (e.g., movies) viewinghistory, linked social media accounts, and/or the like. The user accountinformation 152 may be used to authenticate users logging in to mediaplatform systems 106, determine targets advertisements 130 to display,specific billboard configurations, and/or the like. The user accountinformation 152 may be used to generate personal portals.

In some embodiments, the media, social and market delivery system 108stores user celebrity account information 153. The celebrity accountinformation 153 may be associated with celebrity users of the mediaplatform systems 106. For example, the celebrity account information 153may include celebrity account name, celebrity account credentials (e.g.,username/password), celebrity activities, celebrity communications(e.g., instant communications with other celebrity users), endorsedcontent, linked social media accounts, and/or the like. The celebrityaccount information 153 may be used to authenticate celebrity userslogging in, determine targets advertisements 130 to display on theircelebrity portals, and/or the like. The celebrity account information153 may be used to generate celebrity portals.

In some embodiments, the media, social and market delivery system 108functions to store and/or provide delivery system media items 154. Thedelivery system media items 154 may comprise the same type of mediaitems 120 and/or may comprise other types of media. For example, thedelivery system media items 154 may comprise media to be inserted and/orotherwise presented at particular times during stadium mode (e.g., whena commercial break would typically be presented).

The communications network 110 may represent one or more computernetworks (e.g., LAN, WAN, or the like) or other transmission mediums.The communication network 110 may provide communication between systems102-108 and/or components (e.g., engines, datastores) thereof. In someembodiments, the communication network 110 includes one or morecomputing devices, routers, cables, buses, and/or other networktopologies (e.g., mesh, and the like). In some embodiments, thecommunication network 110 may be wired and/or wireless. In variousembodiments, the communication network 110 may include the Internet, oneor more wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), one ormore networks that may be public, private, IP-based, non-IP based, andso forth.

FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram 200 of an example of an media platformsystem 106 according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG. 2, themedia platform system 106 includes a management engine 202, mediaplatform interface datastore 204, an interactive programming guideengine 206, a playback engine 208, a split presentation engine 210, astadium mode interface engine 214, a smart bar engine 216, a useraccount interface engine 218, a social interface engine 220, apurchasing engine 222, a communication engine 224, an output subsystem226, and a media platform system datastore 228.

The management engine 202 may function to manage (e.g., create, read,update, delete, or otherwise access) information. For example, themanagement engine 202 may function to manage media platform interfaces140 stored in the media platform interface datastore 204, and/or otherinformation stored temporarily (e.g., cached) and/or persistently by themedia platform system 106 (e.g., by the media platform system datastore228). The management engine 202 may perform any of these operationsmanually (e.g., by a user interacting with a GUI) and/or automatically(e.g., triggered by one or more of the engines 206-224, discussedherein). In some embodiments, the management engine 202 comprises alibrary of executable instructions, which are executable by one or moreprocessors for performing any of the aforementioned managementoperations. Like the other engines described herein, some or all of thefunctionality of the management engine 202 may be implemented and/orincluded within one or more other engines and/or systems.

The interactive programming guide engine 206 may function to generate aninteractive programming guide. The interactive programming guide engine206 may function to generate graphical user interfaces and navigationflow for the features and/or graphical user interfaces described herein.For example, the interactive programming guide engine 206 may providelogin graphical user interfaces, a billboard screen, a main menu screen,channel guide listings, television listings, movie listings, live medialistings, favorites listings, games listings, music listings, friendslistings, and/or the like. The interactive programming guide engine 206may generate graphical user interfaces based on user account information152, media provider information, and/or the like. An examplenavigational flow facilitated by the interactive programming guideengine 206 is shown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, the interactive programming guide engine 206function to generate a billboard graphical user interface (or, simply,“billboard” or “billboard screen”). The media platform system 106 maydynamically generate the billboard screen in response to a user loggingin to media platform system 106 (e.g., by entering username/passwordcredentials that are verified by the media, social and market deliverysystem 108). Since it is dynamically generated, different users, or thesame user logging in at different times, may be presented with adifferent billboard screen. In some embodiments, the billboard screen iscapable of providing a user with media options that are associated withthe user and enables the user to more efficiently proceed to media itemsand/or screens that the user is interested in. In one embodiment, thebillboard screen is displayed before a main menu screen is displayed.

The playback engine 208 may function to playback media. The playbackengine 208 may playback on-demand and/or live media. For example, theplayback engine 208 may playback movies, music, live sporting events,and/or the like, for presentation through the output subsystem 226. Theoutput subsystem 226 may comprise a TV display or other presentationdevice (e.g., computer screen, mobile device screen). Although theoutput subsystem 226 is shown as part of the media platform system 106,it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the output subsystem226 may not be included in the media platform system 106 (e.g., themedia platform system 106 may connect to an output system or subsystem).The playback engine 208 may stream content in real-time, and/ordecompress compressed media. In some embodiments, the playback engine208 may execute one or more media streams simultaneously and/or inparallel (e.g., layered streams).

The split presentation engine 210 may function to provide splitpresentation capabilities. Generally, split presentation allows the userto view multiple activities within a single display screen (e.g., TVscreen). For example, one or more activities may be presented indifferent portions (e.g., windows) of the same display screen. It willbe appreciated that any of the functionalities described herein (e.g.,streaming, stadium mode, smart bar, and/or the like) may be performedsimultaneously and/or in parallel using split presentation. In oneexample, a first window may display a movie, while a second window maydisplay a sports program. Any number of such windows may be provided. Insome embodiments, each portion of the split presentation may be executeda different thread and/or set of threads. This may allow, for example,faster and/or more efficient execution of split presentation.

The stadium mode interface engine 214 may function to provide a “stadiummode” that enables a user to be presented with media withoutadvertisement interruption in a main screen, and provides anadvertisement item in a different portion of the screen (e.g., a portiondedicated to a banner advertisement). In one embodiment, the stadiummode can be activated by selecting a selectable object corresponding tothe stadium mode in a smart bar. In some embodiments, the portion of thepresented media item that would typically be associated with acommercial break, or other advertisement break, can be associated withother media (e.g., a live feed of an arena during a basketball game,sideline interviews, and/or the like) while in stadium mode.

The smart bar engine 216 may function to generate context-specificgraphical user interface navigation tools. For example, the mediaplatform system 106 may generate a smart bar for display on a suitableoutput subsystem of the media platform system 106 (e.g., a TV). In oneexample, the smart bar may be a content-specific graphical userinterface that dynamically changes display media therein based on mediapresented to a user. The smart bar may formed in an applicable directiondepending on various criteria. For example, the smart bar may extendhorizontally and/or vertically depending on an aspect ratio of a displaydevice for displaying media content. In another example, the smart barextends horizontally or vertically depending on user setting. In stillanother example, the smart bar is formed in a fixed direction. Further,the smart bar is positioned at an applicable position depending onvarious criteria. For example, the smart bar is positioned at a bottomedge or a top edge of the entire screen depending on media content to bedisplayed on the main screen. In another example, the smart bar ispositioned at a user-specified position. In still another example, thesmart bar is positioned at a fixed position.

Moreover, the smart bar is in an applicable size depending on variouscriteria. For example, the smart bar is in an applicable size dependingon various criteria. For example, the smart bar is in a full screen size(e.g., extending the entire screen) or in a smaller screen size (thanthe full screen size) depending on media content displayed on the mainscreen. In another example, the smart bar is in a user-specified size.In still another example, the smart bar is in a fixed size.

The user account interface engine 218 may function to receive and/orprovide user account information. For example, the user accountinterface engine 218 may present graphical user interface(s) prompting auser to input user account information during registration, login,account updating, and/or the like. The user account information may beprovided to a remote system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108) over a communication network (e.g., communication network110).

The social interface engine 220 may function to receive and/or providesocial media information. For example, the social interface engine 220may cooperate with a remote server system (e.g., media, social andmarket delivery system 108) to present social media feeds andcommunications, communications with friends, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the social interface engine 220 is configured togenerate a friend request based on user interaction with the mediaplatform system 106 and cause the communication engine 224 to transmitthe generated friend request to one or more media platform systems 106.In some embodiments, the social interface engine 220 is configured toreceive friend request(s) transmitted from one or more other mediaplatform systems 106 through the communication engine 224 and generate anotification of the friend request to a user on a graphical userinterface displayed on the output subsystem 226. In some embodiments,the social interface engine 220 is configured to generate an acceptancemessage upon user acceptance of the friend request on a graphical userinterface displayed on the output subsystem 226 and cause thecommunication engine 224 to transmit to the acceptance message to theone or more other media platform systems 106 from which the friendrequest has been transmitted. Upon acceptance of a friend request, auser who sent the friend request and a user who accepted the friendrequest are connected as friends with each other. In a specificimplementation, the information of the friend connection is stored inapplicable datastore, such as datastore in the media, social, marketdelivery system 108 and/or datastores in each of the media platformsystems 106 that have communicated for friend connection.

In some embodiments, the social interface engine 220 is configured togenerate a graphical user interface for searching friends to bedisplayed on the output subsystem 226, and perform friend search basedon user input of search keys and registered information of users. Forexample, the search keys may include one or more of name (real username), user name on the system, user ID, phone number, email address,mail address, affiliated organization (e.g., school, company, localcommunity clubs, etc.), user photo, and so on. In some embodiments,registered information of users used for the friend search may belimited to authorized information by each user. For example, when a userdoes not allow the user's email address to be used for friend search,the social interface engine 220 does not use the user's email addressfor the friend search.

The purchasing engine 222 may function to receive, process, and/orprovide user input and related data regarding purchases (e.g., mediapurchases, physical goods purchases). The purchasing engine 222 maycoordinate with one or more other engines (e.g., interactive programmingguide engine 206, playback engine 208) to receive and/or provide userinput regarding purchases (or, “purchase information”) without leaving acurrently displayed screen. For example, a user viewing a basketballgame may purchase a physical good (e.g., shoes) without leaving thescreen displaying the basketball game. This may, for example, improveengagement with the platform.

The communication engine 224 may function to send requests, transmitand, receive communications, and/or otherwise provide communication withone or a plurality of systems (e.g., systems 102-108). In someembodiments, the communication engine 224 functions to encrypt anddecrypt communications. The communication engine 224 may function tosend requests to and receive data from one or more systems through anetwork or a portion of a network. Depending uponimplementation-specified considerations, the communication engine 224may send requests and receive data through a connection, all or aportion of which may be a wireless connection. The communication engine224 may request and receive messages, and/or other communications fromassociated systems. Communications may be stored at least temporarily(e.g., cached and/or persistently) in the media platform systemdatastore 228.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram 300 of an example of a media, social andmarket delivery system 108 according to some embodiments. In the exampleof FIG. 3, the media, social and market delivery system 108 includes auser account datastore 304, a delivery system datastore 306, a deliverysystem interface datastore 308, an media provider datastore 310, aregistration engine 312, an authentication engine 314, an advertisementselection engine 316, a delivery engine 318, a metadata processingengine 322, a notification engine 324, a rating engine 326, arecommendation engine 328, an analytics engine 330, a social engine 332,a market engine 334, a celebrity portal engine 336, a celebritycompensation engine 338, and a media, social and market delivery systemdatastore 340.

The management engine 302 may function to manage (e.g., create, read,update, delete, or otherwise access) information. For example, themanagement engine 202 may function to manage user account information152 and/or celebrity account information 153 stored in the user accountdatastore 304, delivery system media items 154 stored in the deliverysystem media datastore 306, delivery system interfaces 150 stored in thedelivery system interface datastore 308, media provider information 350stored in the media provider datastore 310, and/or other informationstored temporarily (e.g., cached) and/or persistently by the media,social and market delivery system 108 (e.g., by the media, social andmarket delivery system datastore 340). The management engine 302 mayperform any of these operations manually (e.g., by a user interactingwith a GUI) and/or automatically (e.g., triggered by one or more of theengines 312-338, discussed herein). In some embodiments, the managementengine 302 comprises a library of executable instructions, which areexecutable by one or more processors for performing any of theaforementioned management operations.

The user account information 152 may include a variety of data relatedto user accounts. For example, user account information 152 may includeauthentication credentials for logging a user into a media, social andmarket delivery system and/or media platform system 106, and/or otheruser account information. In some embodiments, the user accountinformation 152 may include some or all of the following:

-   -   User Account Identifier: identifies the user account.    -   User Account Authentication Credentials: Username, password,        and/or other authentication credentials (e.g., for multi-factor        authentication).    -   Name: name of user (e.g., Jason Smith).    -   Mailing Address: mailing address of user.    -   Email address: email address of user.    -   Screenname: displayed screenname of user.    -   Subscriptions: subscriptions to media services (e.g., Netflix,        HBO), celebrities, etc.    -   Media Purchases: purchased movies, television shows, music,        games, and/or other media.    -   Favorites: favorite movies, television shows, music, games,        and/or other media.    -   Friends: list and/or other structure of connections. Friends may        comprise a tiered or other hierarchy of connections. For        example, friends may be limited to only close connection (e.g.,        family member, close friend, etc.).    -   Product Purchases: products (e.g., media items, physical goods)        purchased through the platform.    -   Linked Accounts: linked third-party accounts, such as social        media accounts (e.g., Twitter), financial accounts, etc.    -   Communications: communication history with friends, celebrities,        social media, etc.    -   Ratings: ratings associated with media (e.g., a thumbs up/thumbs        down).    -   Recommendations: current and/or historical media        recommendations. For example, movies that are currently        recommended (e.g., based on ratings) and/or movies that have        previously been recommended.    -   Notifications: notification and/or other messages. For example,        messages received from friends, notifications regarding        subscriptions, notification of events (e.g., upcoming live        events).

The celebrity account information 153 may include a variety of datarelated to celebrity user accounts (or, simply, “celebrity users” or“celebrities”). For example, celebrity account information 153 mayinclude authentication credentials for logging a celebrity user into amedia, social and market delivery system and/or media platform system106, and/or other user account information. In some embodiments, thecelebrity user account information 153 may include some or all of thefollowing:

-   -   Celebrity User Account Identifier: uniquely identifies the        celebrity user account.    -   Celebrity Name: name of user (e.g., Robert Downey Jr).    -   Mailing Address: mailing address of celebrity user.    -   Email address: email address of celebrity user.    -   Screenname: displayed screenname of celebrity user.    -   Subscriptions: subscriptions to media services (e.g., Netflix,        HBO), celebrities, etc.    -   Media Purchases: purchased movies, television shows, music,        games, and/or other media.    -   Favorites: favorite movies, television shows, music, games,        and/or other media.    -   Friends: list and/or other structure of connections. Friends may        comprise a tiered or other hierarchy of connections. For        example, friends may be limited to only close connection (e.g.,        family member, close friend, etc.). Friends may be limited to        other celebrities.    -   Product Purchases: products (e.g., media items, physical goods)        purchased through the platform.    -   Linked Accounts: linked third-party accounts, such as social        media accounts (e.g., Twitter), financial accounts, etc.    -   Communications: communication history with friends, celebrities,        social media, etc.    -   Ratings: ratings associated with media (e.g., a thumbs up/thumbs        down).    -   Recommendations: current and/or historical media        recommendations. For example, movies that are currently        recommended (e.g., based on ratings) and/or movies that have        previously been recommended.    -   Notifications: notification and/or other messages. For example,        messages received from friends, notifications regarding        subscriptions, notification of events (e.g., upcoming live        events).    -   Activities: current and/or historical activities (e.g., media        content consumed, communications, content/goods sold)    -   Subscribers: users subscribed to the celebrity user.    -   Compensation Rules: predetermined and/or negotiated compensation        rules.    -   Compensation Account: system account and/or third-party accounts        to receive celebrity compensation.    -   Endorsed Items    -   Exclusive Content: content (e.g., a celebrity “channel”)        exclusive to the celebrity (e.g., that may be presented through        their celebrity portal).

The media provider information 350 may include a variety of data relatedto media providers (e.g., Netflix, HBO). For example, the media providerinformation 350 may be used to authenticate access and/or register forsubscriptions, purchase media, and/or the like. In some embodiments, themedia provider information 350 may include some or all of the following:

-   -   Media Provider: identifies the media provider.    -   Location: identifies a URI or other electronic location of the        media provider and/or associated systems.    -   Services: services (e.g., subscriptions) provided by the media        provider.    -   Subscribed users: user accounts of the of the media, social and        market delivery system 108 associated with the service(s).

The registration engine 312 may function to register user accounts andmedia providers. For example, registration engine 312 may receive useraccount information 152 and create and/or update records in the useraccount datastore 304, receive media provider information 350 and crateand/or update records in the media provider datastore 310, and so forth.

The authentication engine 314 may function to authenticate user accountlogin requests, subscriptions, and/or other requests. For example, theauthentication engine 314 may authenticate a user login request receivedfrom a media platform system 106, authenticate a request to view asubscription service to Netflix in response to a user attempting toaccess Netflix on the media platform system 106.

The advertisement selection engine 316 may function to selectadvertisements, and/or facilitate selection of advertisements, forpresentation by remote systems (e.g., media platform system 106). Insome embodiments, the advertisement selection engine 316 may selectadvertisements based on user account information 152, and/or coordinatewith a third-party service to select advertisements. Selectedadvertisements may be used for generating billboard screens, presentingbanner advertisements during stadium mode, and/or the like.

The delivery engine 318 may function to provide media to remote systems(e.g., media platform systems 106). For example, the delivery system 318may deliver media items 120 and/or advertisements 130 received fromremote systems (e.g., media provider systems 102, advertisement providersystems 104). In some embodiments, the delivery system 318 may providedelivery system media items 154 and/or other media (e.g., during stadiummode viewing). For example, the delivery system 318 may detect a flag orother indicator during a media stream, provide the delivery system mediaitems 154 and/or other media for a period of time, and return the mediastream after conclusion of the delivery system media items 154 and/orother media.

The metadata processing engine 322 may function to process metadatareceived from third-party systems. For example, the metadata processingengine 322 may receive channel guide listing metadata from HBO or otherremote system in a format native to the origin system (e.g., an HBOformat). The metadata processing engine 322 may translate the metadatainto a playlist or other format capable of being processed by mediaplatform systems 106. The processed metadata may be provided with amedia streams in order for the media streams to be properly formattedand presented by the media platform systems 106.

The notification engine 324 may function to generate and/or store alertsand/or other notifications in one or more datastores (e.g., media,social and market delivery system datastore 340). Notifications mayinclude communications with friends, administrators; communicationsrelated to subscriptions and/or purchases; and/or the like. Thenotification engine 324 may provide notifications to one or more remotesystems (e.g., media platform systems 106).

The rating engine 326 may function to rate media automatically and/or inresponse to user input. For example, the rating engine 326 may ratemovies according to a thumbs up/thumbs down rating system, star ratingsystem, and/or the like. In another example, the rating engine 326 mayrate media automatically based on user activity (e.g., the movieswatched, tv watched, duration of time spent watching particular moviesand/or types of movies, and/or the like).

The recommendation engine 328 may function to suggest media that may beof interest to a user. For example, the recommendation engine 328 maysuggest media based on historical activities performed by the userand/or other user account information 152. The recommendation engine 328may provide suggestions in a recommendation graphical user interfaceand/or based on context. For example, if a user historically watches atype of media (e.g., live Warriors basketball games) above apredetermined threshold level (e.g., greater than 25% of the livegames), the recommendation engine 328 may prompt the user (e.g., via anotification issued by the notification engine 324) regarding one ormore Warriors basketball games that are available for viewing (e.g.,within a predetermined amount time before start of the game).

The analytics engine 330 may function to analyze user activity based onuser account information 152 and/or other information. The analysis maybe used to provide targeted advertisements, help inform therecommendation engine 328 and/or rating engine 326, and/or the like.

The social engine 332 may function to provide server-side functionalityto provide social functions described herein. For example, the socialengine 332 may cooperate with the social interface engine 220 toprovide, store, and/or manage communications between friends and/orother connections. The social engine may provide personal portals (e.g.,as shown in FIGS. 27-29) and/or celebrity portals (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 36-38).

In some embodiments, the social engine 332 may function to monitor useractivity (e.g., social network activity) among users and/or celebrities.Monitored information 350 may be stored in the media, social and marketdelivery system datastore 340. Monitored information 350 can includeinstant communications, user activity, user consumption (e.g., of mediaand/or physical goods), purchase history, and/or the like.

The market engine 334 may function to provide a marketplace for users topurchase media, physical goods, and/or other products. Functionality ofthe marketplace may be integrated into one or more other featuresdescribed herein. For example, the market engine 334 may allow a userviewing on-demand media to purchase products without leaving the screenpresenting the on-demand media. The market engine 334 may interface withone or more systems to processes purchases (e.g., credit card systems,PayPal, cryptocurrency systems, and/or the like) through the system 300.

The celebrity portal engine 336 may function to present a portal forcelebrities and/or other types of specialized users. For example,celebrity portals may a allow an actor (e.g., Jamie Foxx) to advertiseproducts, provide customized media streams (e.g., live and/oron-demand), share their viewing and/or other activity (e.g.,communications with other celebrities) with subscribers. In someembodiments, celebrity portal engine 336 functions to analyze a screendisplayed on the display screen to determine products associated with acelebrity, such as clothing or accessories that the celebrity is wearingon the screen. The celebrity portal engine 336 may coordinate withmetadata processing engine 322 to generate icons displaying physicalgoods or media goods, associated with the celebrity and send this to theplayback engine 208 to allow a user viewing celebrity media, live oron-demand, to purchase products associated with the celebrity withoutleaving the screen presenting the celebrity media.

The celebrity compensation engine 338 may function to automaticallycompensate celebrities for activities performed by users with respect totheir celebrity portal. For example, the celebrity compensation engine338 may provide a portion of revenue generated from the purchase ofgoods through their portal directly to an account associated with thecelebrity. This may allow, for example, celebrities to be quickly andefficiently compensated for endorsed products. In some embodiments,celebrity compensation is determined and/or provided based on one ormore celebrity compensation rules 360. Celebrity compensation rules 360may be stored in the media, social and market delivery system datastore340.

Celebrity compensation rules 360 may define rules to facilitatereal-time and/or near real-time payment to celebrity users for purchasesthrough the system 108. For example, celebrity users may be compensatedat substantially the same time as a purchase is processed and/or when auser pays for a purchase (e.g., of media content and/or physical goods).Compensation may be based on a percentage (e.g., 5%) of the sale amount,and may be negotiated by the celebrity user. The compensation amount maybe based on a number of subscribers a celebrity has. For example,celebrities with a higher number of subscribers may receive a largerpercentage of the purchase amount.

In some embodiments, multiple celebrities may be compensated for asingle item. For example, a product purchased through a first celebrityportal may provide compensation to the first celebrity, and othercelebrities along a link path to that purchase may also be compensated.For example, the link path may be the celebratory portals and/or otherinterfaces of the system 302 that lead to the purchase by the user. Thelink path may be limited by the number of hops (e.g., interfaces/portalsvisited) and/or time (e.g., within 5 minutes before the purchase). Forexample, a user may visit a first celebrity portal, select a celebrityfriend from the celebrities friend list, visit the celebrity portal ofthe celebrity friend, and make the purchase through the celebrity portalof the friend. The first celebrity may be compensated (e.g., in additionto the celebrity friend).

In some embodiments, embodiments, celebrities may be compensated forendorsed products. For example, a celebrity may endorse a pair of shoes,and anytime a those pair of shoes are sold through the system 302, thecelebrity may be compensated.

The communication engine 339 may function to send requests, transmitand, receive communications, and/or otherwise provide communication withone or a plurality of systems (e.g., systems 102-108). In someembodiments, the communication engine 339 functions to encrypt anddecrypt communications. The communication engine 339 may function tosend requests to and receive data from one or more systems through anetwork or a portion of a network. Depending uponimplementation-specified considerations, the communication engine 339may send requests and receive data through a connection, all or aportion of which may be a wireless connection. The communication engine339 may request and receive messages, and/or other communications fromassociated systems. Communications may be stored at least temporarily(e.g., cached and/or persistently) in the media, social and marketdelivery system datastore 340.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart 400 of an example graphical userinterface navigational flow of a media platform system (e.g., mediaplatform system 106) according to some embodiments. An interactiveprogramming guide engine (e.g., interactive programming guide engine206) may control the navigation flow (e.g., in response to user inputand/or automatically) and/or generate some or all of the associatedgraphical user interfaces. In this and other flowcharts, the flowchartillustrates by way of example a sequence of steps. It should beunderstood the steps may be reorganized for parallel execution, orreordered, as applicable. Moreover, some steps that could have beenincluded may have been removed to avoid providing too much informationfor the sake of clarity and some steps that were included could beremoved, but may have been included for the sake of illustrativeclarity. It will further be appreciated that singular terms (e.g.,“graphical user interface”) may include the singular and/or pluralvariants (e.g., “graphical user interfaces”).

In step 402, a media platform system (e.g., media platform system 106)logs a user into a user account. The user account may be managed by aremote server system (e.g., a media, social and market delivery system108). The login may occur automatically (e.g., a user logged inpreviously and the credentials were stored on the media platformsystem), and/or the login may occur manually (e.g., a login screen maybe displayed and the user may be prompted to enter a username andpassword). The media platform system may provide the credentials to theremote server system for authentication.

In step 404, the media platform system presents a billboard screen. Insome embodiments, the billboard screen is presented in response to useraccount authentication. In some embodiments, the billboard screen may begenerated dynamically and/or in-real time.

In step 406, the media platform system presents a main menu screen. Fromthe main menu screen, a user may navigate to various graphical userinterfaces and/or features of the system, such as an applicationgraphical user interface (4012), Internet access graphical userinterface (4008), social graphical user interface (4020), TV mediagraphical user interface (4022), film media features graphical userinterface (4024), live media graphical user interfaces (4026), favoritemedia graphical user interface (4028), game media graphical userinterface (4030), music media graphical user interface (4032), andrewards graphical user interface (4034).

In the example of FIG. 4, the media platform system allows the user tonavigate to a friends graphical user interface (4040) from the socialgraphical user interface. In the friends graphical user interface, forexample, users may video conference and/or text and/or see what gamesfriends are playing, what they are watching, what they are listening to,and/or other perform other activities. From the TV media graphical userinterface, the system may provide functionality for previewing,purchasing, and/or playing TV media (4042). From the film mediagraphical user interface, the system may provide functionality for orpreviewing, purchasing, and/or playing film media (4044). From the livemedia graphical user interface, the system may provide functionality forpresenting international channels, sports, and/or other live media(4048). From the favorites media graphical user interface, the systemmay provide functionality for viewing favorites (4048). From the gamesmedia graphical user interface, the system may provide functionality todemo, preview, purchase and/or play games (4044). From the music mediagraphical user interface, the system may provide functionality forpreviewing, purchasing, and/or playing music media (4052). From therewards graphical user interface, the system may provide functionalityfor using points to apply to online purchase.

In step 447, the media platform system may present a stadium mode.Although the stadium mode is shown here with respect to live media, itwill be appreciated that various embodiments may provide stadium modefunctionality for any type of media presentation.

In step 4070, the media platform system presents a celebrity portalgraphical user interface, from which users may subscribe to favoritecelebrities to gain access to exclusive content (4072).

In step 480, the media platform system provides functionality topurchase products (e.g., from some or all of other graphical userinterfaces described herein). For example, a user viewing livebasketball game stream in stadium mode may be able to purchase a productwithout leaving the stadium mode graphical user interface.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion 500 of an example of a displaycorresponding to a smart bar 502 according to some embodiments. In someembodiments, display media content of the smart bar 502 is generated byan applicable GUI engine, such as the smart bar engine (e.g., the smartbar engine 216 in FIG. 2) discussed in this paper. In some embodiments,the smart bar 502 is caused to be displayed on an applicable displaydevice, such as the output subsystem (e.g., the output subsystem 226 inFIG. 2) discussed in this paper. For example, the applicable displaydevice display may include a television, a monitor, a laptop computer, atablet, a smartphone, a watch, a signage system, a projector screen, andso on.

In the example of FIG. 5, the portion 500 includes a smart bar 502,which is a content-specific GUI that dynamically changes display mediacontent therein based on content presented to a user. The smart bar 502is formed in an applicable direction depending on various criteria. Forexample, the smart bar 502 extends horizontally or vertically dependingon an aspect ratio of a display device for displaying media content. Inanother example, the smart bar 502 extends horizontally or verticallydepending on user setting. In still another example, the smart bar 502is formed in a fixed direction. Further, the smart bar 502 is positionedat an applicable position depending on various criteria. For example,the smart bar 502 is positioned at a bottom edge or a top edge of theentire screen depending on media content to be displayed on the mainscreen. In another example, the smart bar 502 is positioned at auser-specified position. In still another example, the smart bar 502 ispositioned at a fixed position. Moreover, the smart bar 502 is in anapplicable size depending on various criteria. For example, the smartbar 502 is in an applicable size depending on various criteria. Forexample, the smart bar 502 is in a full screen size (e.g., extending theentire screen) or in a smaller screen size (than the full screen size)depending on media content displayed on the main screen. In anotherexample, the smart bar 502 is in a user-specified size. In still anotherexample, the smart bar 502 is in a fixed size.

In the example depicted in FIG. 5, the smart bar 502 includes auser-specific window 504, a user-specific label 506, a plurality ofselectable objects 508-526 for selecting functions. The user-specificwindow 504 includes user-specific content, which is intended to indicatethat the smart bar 502 is associated with a specific user. In a morespecific implementation, the user-specific window 504 indicates auser-specific image, such as a user-specific picture, a user-specificillustration, a user-specific logo, and so on. For example, a facepicture of a user is displayed in the user-specific window 504 asdepicted in FIG. 5. Further, the user-specific window 504 is in anapplicable shape. In an example, the user-specific window 504 is in ashape of a circle, oval, square, rectangular, and so on. Moreover, theshape of the user-specific window 504 may be fixed, or the shape of theuser-specific window 504 may be modifiable in accordance with userpreference. Furthermore, a background of the smart bar 502 is in anapplicable format depending on various criteria. For example, dependingon media content in a main screen, on which, in one embodiment, thesmart bar 502 is overlaid, the smart bar 502 is switched between atransparent background and a non-transparent background.

In the example depicted in FIG. 5, the user-specific label 506 includesuser-specific content similarly to the user-specific window 504. In amore specific implementation, the user-specific label 506 indicatesuser-specific text, such as user name and user ID. Further, theuser-specific label 506 can be in an applicable format. In an example,the user-specific label 506 is a specific font, a specific size, aspecific color, a specific background, and so on. Moreover, the formatof the user-specific label 506 may be fixed, or the shape of theuser-specific label 506 may be modifiable in accordance with userpreference.

In the example depicted in FIG. 5, the plurality of selectable objects508-526 include a selectable object 508 for exiting the smart bar 502, aselectable object 510 for searching, a selectable object 512 for goingto a main menu (e.g., the main menu in FIG. 15 (specifically, 1500 a),and FIG. 23), a selectable object 514 for splitting a main screen of thedisplay, a selectable object 516 for interacting with friends, aselectable object 518 for using an imaging device (e.g., camera) coupledto a media platform system (e.g., the media platform system 106 in FIG.1), a selectable object 520 for accessing audio content, a selectableobject 522 for activating/deactivating a stadium mode, a selectableobject 524 for activating/deactivating a purchasing mode, and aselectable object 526 for pulling up one or more additional functions.Further, each of the selectable objects 508-526 can be in an applicableformat (shape, size, and color). In an example, a color of theselectable objects 508-526 are the same when an indicator (e.g., cursor)for selection is not placed in the selectable objects 508-526, and thecolor of one of the selectable objects 508-526 at which the indicator(e.g., cursor) for selection is placed is changed to a different color.Moreover, the format of the selectable objects 508-526 may be fixed, orthe format of the selectable objects 508-526 may be modifiable inaccordance with user preference. Specific functions corresponding to theselectable objects 514-526 are described elsewhere herein in moredetail.

In some embodiments, among the plurality of selectable objects 508-526,one or more selectable objects corresponding to available functions areselectively displayed in the smart bar 502. That is, one or moreselectable objects corresponding to unavailable functions are notdisplayed in the smart bar 502. In some embodiments, the availablefunctions and the unavailable functions vary depending on media contentpresented to the user through the media plat form system. For example,the available functions and the unavailable functions vary depending ondisplay media content displayed on the main screen of the display. Inanother example, the available functions and the unavailable functionsvary depending on audio content presented. It is noted that, in someembodiments, the user-specific window 504 and the user-specific label506 are displayed in the smart bar 502 regardless of availablefunctions.

In some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of selectable objects508-526 corresponding to available functions are arranged in anapplicable order depending on various criteria. For example, one or moreof the selectable objects 508-526 corresponding to available functionsare arranged in an ascending or descending order of use frequency of theselectable objects 508-526. In another example, one or more of theselectable objects 508-526 corresponding to available functions arearranged in a user-specified order. In still another example, one ormore of the selectable objects 508-526 corresponding to availablefunctions are arranged in a fixed order. In a more specificimplementation, when the one or more of the selectable objects 508-526corresponding to available functions are arranged in a fixed order, theone or more of the selectable objects 508-526 are aligned to be at aregular interval each other (e.g., the arrangement shown in FIG. 6).

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, a displaymanner of the smart bar 502 after one of the selectable objectscorresponding to available functions is selected can employ variousoptions. For example, the smart bar 502 disappears in response toselection of one of the selectable objects corresponding to availablefunctions. In another example, the smart bar 502 disappears only uponselection of the selectable object 508 for exiting the smart barfunction.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of two smart bars 602 and 604 in twodifferent states according to some embodiments. In the example of FIG.2R, the smart bar 602 corresponds to a state where functions of exitingthe smart bar, searching, going to the main menu, splitting screen,interacting with friends, using a imaging device, accessing audiocontent, and going to additional function(s) are available. In otherwords, the other functions (e.g., the stadium mode and the purchasemode) than these functions are not available. On the other hand, thesmart bar 604 corresponds to a state where functions of searching,splitting screen, interacting with friends, using a imaging device,accessing audio content, and going to additional function(s) areavailable. In other words, the other functions (e.g., exiting the smartbar, going to the main menu, the stadium mode and the purchase mode)than these functions are not available.

Advantageously, since (non-selectable) objects corresponding tounavailable functions are not displayed in the smart bar, it is possibleto provide a more user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI).Specifically, a user can more efficiently select one of selectableobjects corresponding to available functions without being destructed to(non-selectable) objects corresponding to unavailable functions. Inother words, it is possible to prevent user operation to select objectscorresponding to unavailable functions repeatedly.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a screen 700 displayed on a displayscreen by a media platform system when a selectable object for splittingscreen was selected according to some embodiments. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 7, the screen 700 includes a main screen that includesfour split screens 702, 704, 706, and 708, and a smart bar 710 overlaidon the main screen at the bottom edge of the main screen. The smart bar710 includes a non-transparent background and a selectable object 712for splitting screen, and the main screen is at a state after theselectable object 712 has been selected.

When the selectable object 712 for splitting screen is selected in thesmart bar 710, a user is capable of splitting the main screen into twosub-screens. For example, when a main screen includes a non-split singlescreen, by selecting the selectable object 712 in the smart bar 710, auser is capable of splitting the non-split single screen into twosub-screens. In another example, when a main screen includes the twosub-screens, a user is capable of splitting one or both of the twosub-screens into two mini screens, respectively (i.e., four miniscreens). In a more specific implementation, when a main screen includesthe two sub-screens and a user splits only one of the two sub-screens,four mini screens are displayed and one of the four mini screens maydisplay a blank space or a main menu.

In some embodiments, the function of splitting screen is implemented byan applicable engine such as a split presentation engine (e.g., thesplit presentation engine 210 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, thefunction of splitting screen is available unless the main screen hasbeen already split into a maximum number. The maximum number is, in animplementation, an exponential number of two. For example, the maximumnumber is four. In some embodiments, a size of split screens (e.g., thesub-screens and mini screens) is in an applicable size. For example, thesplit screens have a size so as to fill the entire main screen. Inanother example, the split screens have a size so as to create some gapsbetween the split screens. An aspect ratio of the split screens is in anapplicable ratio. For example, the split screens have an equal aspectratio, which may be the same aspect ratio of the non-split screen.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a screen 800 displayed on adisplay screen by a media platform system when a selectable object forinteracting with friends was selected according to some embodiments. Inthe example depicted in FIG. 8, the screen 800 includes a main screen802, a smart bar 804 overlaid on the main screen 802 at the bottom edgeof the main screen 802, and a tool bar 806 for interaction with friendsthat is also overlaid on the main screen 802 at the top edge of the mainscreen 802. The smart bar 804 includes a selectable object 808 forinteracting with friends, and the main screen 802 is at a state afterthe selectable object 808 has been selected.

When the selectable object 808 for interacting with friends is selectedin the smart bar 804, a user is capable of interacting with friends whohave accounts for a service of media, social, and market deliveryprovided by a media, social, market delivery system (e.g., the media,social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1), and also are online,i.e., currently using the service. In the example of FIG. 8, the toolbar 806 includes an on-target selectable object 810, which is positionedat a center of the tool bar 806, selectable objects 812 for onlinefriends, selectable object 814 for offline friends, and communicationtool objects R416 for the on-target selectable object 810. In someembodiments, the on-target selectable object 810, the selectable objects812 for online friends, the selectable object 814 for offline friendsincludes an image specific to the friends, which are for example,pictures of the friends and illustration of the friends.

In some embodiments, the on-target selectable object 810 is for a frienduser for whom communication can be started using the communication toolobjects R416. In a specific implementation, the size of the on-targetselectable object 810 is larger than the size of the selectable objects812 for online friends and the size of the selectable object 814 foroffline friends. In a specific implementation, the selectable objects812 for online friends are indicated with a highlighted contour, and theselectable object 814 for offline friends are not indicated with thehighlighted contour, such that the online friends and the offlinefriends can be efficiently distinguished. In a specific implementation,the communication tool objects R416 include one or more selectableobjects corresponding to different communication tools, such as emails,instant messages (IM), voice conversation, and video conversation.Further, when a plurality of selectable objects are included in thecommunication tool objects R416, the selectable objects include anon-target selectable object for which communication can be instantlystarted by selection thereof, and off-target selectable object for whichthe off-target selectable object has to be selected first to switch theoff-target selectable object to an on-target selectable object beforestarting communication.

In some embodiments, the function of interacting with friends isimplemented by an applicable engine such as a social interface engine(e.g., the social interface engine 220 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments,the function of interacting with friends is available when a user has atleast one friend user (either online or offline) and not available whenthe user has no friend user (either online or offline). In anotherembodiment, the function of interacting with friends is available when auser has at least one friend user who is online and not available whenthe user has no friend user who is online. In some embodiments, when thenumber of friends of a user is greater than a maximum number that fit inthe tool bar 806, the selectable objects 810, 812, and 814 arescrollable. In still another embodiment, the function of interactingwith friends is available when media content presented to a user (e.g.,display media content displayed on a screen) is associated withinteraction with friends. For example, the presented media contentprovides a chat space for interaction with friends.

FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a screen 900 displayed on adisplay screen by a media platform system when a selectable object forusing an imaging device was selected according to some embodiments. Inthe example depicted in FIG. 9, the screen 900 includes a main screen902, a tool bar 904 for using imaging device that is separately providedfrom the main screen 902 at the right edge of the main screen 902, and asmart bar 906 overlaid on the main screen 902 and the tool bar 904 atthe bottom edge of the main screen 902. The smart bar 906 includes aselectable object 908 for using imaging device, and the main screen 902is at a state after the selectable object 908 has been selected.

When the selectable object 908 for using imaging device is selected inthe smart bar 906, a user is capable of using an imaging device (e.g.,camera) that is coupled to the media platform displaying the main screen902. In the example of FIG. 9, the tool bar 904 includes an selectableobject 910 for taking a picture and a selectable objects 912 for takingvideo. In a specific implementation, one of selectable objects includedin the tool bar 904 is an on-target selectable object that is selectablefor instantly starting the corresponding function by selecting theselectable object, and the other of the selectable objects included inthe tool bar 904 are off-target selectable objects that needs selectionof the selectable object to switch to an on-selectable object beforestarting the corresponding function.

In some embodiments, the function of using imaging device is availablewhen an applicable imaging device is coupled to the media platformsystem that displays the main screen 902 and not available when noapplicable imaging device is coupled to the media platform system. Inanother embodiment, the function of using imaging device is availablewhen media content presented to a user (e.g., display media contentdisplayed on a screen) is associated with user interaction using imagingdevice. For example, the presented media content provides an interactiveevent that user can participate in.

FIG. 10 illustrates another example of a screen 1000 displayed on adisplay screen by a media platform system when a selectable object foraccessing audio content was selected according to some embodiments. Inthe example depicted in FIG. 10, the screen 600 includes a main screen1002, a smart bar 1004 overlaid on the main screen 1002 at the bottomedge of the main screen 1002, and a tool bar 1006 for accessing audiocontent that is also overlaid on the main screen 1002 at the middle ofthe main screen 1002. The smart bar 1004 includes a selectable object1008 for accessing audio content, and the main screen 1002 is at a stateafter the selectable object 1008 has been selected.

When the selectable object 1008 for accessing audio content is selectedin the smart bar 1004, a user is capable of accessing audio content,which may include live streaming content (e.g., radio content), recordedstreaming content (e.g., a music album), and local content storedlocally in the media platform system. In the example of FIG. 10, thetool bar 1006 includes an on-target selectable object 1010, which ispositioned at a center of the tool bar 1006, off-target selectableobjects 1012, and communication tool objects 1014 for the on-targetselectable object 1010. In some embodiments, the on-target selectableobject 1010 and the off-target selectable objects 1012 include an imagespecific to audio content, which are for example, pictures of an artistand a genre of audio content.

In some embodiments, the on-target selectable object 1010 is for audiocontent for which content can be played back using the communicationtool objects 1014. In a specific implementation, the size of theon-target selectable object 1010 is larger than the size of theoff-target selectable objects 1012. In a specific implementation, thecommunication tool objects 1014 include one or more selectable objectsto manipulate playback of the audio content, such as a selectable objectfor pause, a selectable object for skipping content, a selectable objectfor returning to previous content, and so on.

In some embodiments, the function of accessing audio content isimplemented by an applicable engine such as a playback engine (e.g., theplayback engine 208 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the function ofaccessing audio content is available when a user has at least oneaccessible audio content and not available when the user has noaccessible audio content.

FIG. 11 illustrates another example of a screen 1100 displayed on adisplay screen by a media platform system when a selectable object for apurchasing mode (e.g., the selectable object 524 in FIG. 5) was selectedaccording to some embodiments. In the example depicted in FIG. 11, thescreen 700 includes a main screen 1102 and a sub screen 1104 disposedseparately from the main screen 1102 at the bottom edge of the mainscreen 1102. In a specific implementation, the sub screen 1104 includesan on-target selectable object 1106 associated with the main screen 1102and one or more off-target selectable objects 1108. Further, in aspecific implementation, each of the on-target selectable object 1106and the one or more off-target selectable objects 1108 includes athumbnail image of a corresponding product, a product name, a price, andso on. Moreover, in a specific implementation, the main screen 1102includes an enlarged image of a corresponding product, an enlargedproduct name, an enlarged price, a brand logo, and so on.

In some embodiments, the function of the purchasing mode is implementedby an applicable engine such as a purchasing engine (e.g., thepurchasing engine 222 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the function ofthe purchasing mode is available when at least an applicable product isassociated with media content presented to a user in association with amain screen (before starting the purchasing mode), and not availablewhen no applicable product is associated with the media contentpresented to the user. In a more specific implementation, when displaymedia content includes an image of a product (e.g., a sunglasses worn byan actor) that is purchasable through the purchasing mode, thepurchasing mode becomes available. The time period during which thepurchasing mode is available is set depending on various criteria. Forexample, the purchasing mode is available only during a time periodwhile the purchasable product is on a screen. In another example, thepurchasing mode is available for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 3mins) after the purchasable product has been shown on a screen. In stillanother example, the purchasing mode is available during a media contentprogram after the purchasable product has been shown on a screen. Instill another example, the purchasing mode is available during theentire media content program even before the purchasable product isshown on a screen.

FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a screen 1200 displayed on adisplay screen by a media platform system when a selectable object foradditional functions (e.g., the selectable object 526 in FIG. 5) wasselected according to some embodiments. In the example depicted in FIG.12, the screen 800 includes a main screen 1202 and an extended smart bar1204 overlaid on the main screen 1202 at the bottom edge of the mainscreen 1202. In a specific implementation, the extended smart bar 804includes a set of selectable objects different from selectable objectsincluded a smart bar (e.g., the smart bar 502 in FIG. 1). For example,the set of selectable objects includes an on-target selectable object1206 and one or more off-target selectable objects 1208. Further, in aspecific implementation, each of the on-target selectable object 1206and the one or more off-target selectable objects 1208 includes arepresentative image of a corresponding additional function, such assending emails, reviewing invoices, weather, time, setting, and so on.

In some embodiments, the function of the additional functions isavailable when at least one applicable additional function is available,and not available when no applicable additional function is available.Further in some embodiments, availability of the additional function isdetermined based on media content presented to a user (e.g., a displaymedia content displayed on a screen).

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart 1300 of an example method of operationfor a smart bar function according to some embodiments. This flowchartand other flowcharts described in this paper illustrate modules (andpotentially decision points) organized in a fashion that is conducive tounderstanding. It should be recognized, however, that the modules can bereorganized for parallel execution, reordered, modified (changed,removed, or augmented), where circumstances permit.

In step 1302, content parameters of current media content presented to auser are identified. An applicable engine for identifying contentparameters, such as the smart bar engine (e.g., the smart bar engine 216in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can identify the content parameters.In some embodiments, the content parameters include one or more of acurrent media channel (e.g., NBC, CBA, FOX, ESPN, etc.), a current mediaprogram (e.g., evening news) presented in the media channel, and acurrent media content (e.g., a live report from a sport venue, aninterview scene, etc.). In a specific example, the content parametersmay include a genre of music as the current media channel, a title of amusic album as the current media program, and a title of a song as thecurrent media content.

In step 1304, one or more smart bar functions available on the smart barare identified based on the identified content parameters. An applicableengine for identifying available smart bar functions, such as the smartbar engine (e.g., the smart bar engine 216 in FIG. 2) described in thispaper, can identify the available smart bar functions. In someembodiments, the smart bar functions include one or more of exiting asmart bar, searching, going to a main menu (e.g., the main menu in FIG.15 (specifically, 1500 a), and FIG. 23), splitting a main screen,interacting with friends, using an imaging device, accessing audiocontent, activating/deactivating a stadium mode, activating/deactivatinga purchasing mode, and pulling up one or more additional functions.Depending on a specific implementation of the embodiment, one or more ofthe smart bar functions may be available regardless of the presentedmedia content (content parameters), and other one or more the smart barfunctions are available or unavailable depending on the presented mediacontent.

In step 1306, optionally, display setting of the smart bar andselectable objects corresponding to the available smart bar functionsare obtained. An applicable engine for obtaining display setting, suchas the smart bar engine (e.g., the smart bar engine 216 in FIG. 2)described in this paper, can obtain the display setting. In someembodiments, the display setting includes one or more of a displayposition of the smart bar, a display format (e.g., size, color) of thesmart bar, a display format (e.g., size, color) of the selectableobjects, and a display order of the selectable objects. In someembodiments, some of the display setting may vary depending on thepresented media content (content parameters). In some embodiments, atleast some of the display setting may be statically or dynamicallystored in applicable datastore (e.g., the media platform systemdatastore 228 in FIG. 2).

In step 1308, smart bar data, including image data of a smart bar to bedisplayed on a screen, are generated based on the identified availablesmart bar functions, and the smart bar display setting, which isoptionally obtained. An applicable engine for generating smart bar data,such as the smart bar engine (e.g., the smart bar engine 216 in FIG. 2)described in this paper, can generate the smart bar data. In someembodiments, at least some of the smart bar data may be statically ordynamically stored in applicable datastore (e.g., the media platformsystem datastore 228 in FIG. 2).

In step 1310, it is determined whether or not an input to show a smartbar on a screen is received. An applicable engine for determining aninput (e.g., the smart bar engine 216 in FIG. 2) described in thispaper, can determine the input. In some embodiments, the input isreceived from a dedicated remote control device coupled to the mediaplatform system. In another embodiment, the input is received from awireless mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) coupledto the media platform system. In another embodiment, the input may bevoice or gestures made by human agents, such as users or viewers. If adecision result of step 1310 is Yes (Y in FIG. 13), the flowchart 900proceeds to step 1312; if the decision result is No (N in FIG. 13), theflowchart 900 returns to step 1302, and steps 1302-1310 are repeated.Therefore, as the media content presented to a user is updated, thesmart bar data is updated so as to reflect the updated media content.

In another embodiment, step 1310 may be carried out before step 1302,and steps 1302-1308 may be carried out upon a determination result instep 1310 is Yes. Depending on a processing capability of the mediaplatform system, applicable order of the step 1310 can be determined.For example, when the media platform system requires some noticeableamount of time to generate the smart bar data after receiving an inputto show a smart bar, the recurring background process of steps 1302-1308may be carried out. In another example, when the processing speed of themedia platform system is sufficiently fast, steps 1302-1308 may becarried out upon an input to show a smart bar being received.

In step 1312, a smart bar having the identified available smart barfunctions is displayed on a screen based on the generated smart bardata. An applicable system for displaying a smart bar (e.g., the outputsubsystem 216 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can display the smartbar.

In step 1314, an input to select a selectable object corresponding to anavailable smart bar function is received. An applicable engine forreceiving an input to select a selectable object input (e.g., the smartbar engine 216 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can receive the inputto select the selectable object corresponding to an available smart barfunction. In some embodiments, the input to select the selectable objectis received from a dedicated remote control device coupled to the mediaplatform system or a wireless mobile device, similarly to the input toshow the smart bar.

In step 1316, a screen associated with the selected smart bar functionis displayed An applicable system for displaying an associated screen(e.g., the output subsystem 216 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, candisplay the screen associated with the selected smart bar function.

Advantageously, according to the smart bar discussed above, since thesmart bar selectively presents available functions, it is possible toprovide a more use-friendly GUI and navigate a user to an intendedfunction of the user without being distracted to unavailable functions.Further, availability of at least some of the functions that can beindicated in the smart bar dynamically changes depending on a channelthat is currently selected or media content of the channel displayed ina screen. For that reason, by simply pulling up the smart bar andselecting a content-specific function, a user can conveniently start thecontent-specific function without having to perform complicatedoperations.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example of a screen 1400 that is displayed when astadium mode is activated according to some embodiments. The stadiummode enables a user to watch content without advertisement interruptionin a main screen and instead occupies a portion of an entire screen foradvertisement purpose. In some embodiments, the stadium mode can beactivated by selecting a selectable object corresponding to the stadiummode (e.g., the selectable object 522 in FIG. 5) in a smart bar (e.g.,the smart bar 502 in FIG. 1), when the selectable object is included inthe smart bar. In the example in FIG. 14, the screen 1400 includes amain screen 1402, a vertical secondary screen 1404 at a right edge ofthe main screen 1402, and a horizontal secondary screen 1406 at a bottomedge of the main screen 1402 and the vertical secondary screen 1404.

In some embodiments, the main screen 1402 is provided to display mediacontent of a channel or a program that is currently selected. In a morespecific implementation, the media content displayed in the main screen1402 during the stadium mode include live media content, such as livesports content, live performance content, live debate content, and soon. Further, in some embodiments, the media content displayed on themain screen 1402 are original media content that do not includeadvertisement interruption (e.g., original media content preparedseparately from media content including advertisement interruption) orfiltered media content from which advertisement content are filteredout. When the filtered media content are displayed on the main screen1402, content (e.g., replay scene) relevant to the original mediacontent (e.g., live sports scene) may be filled in place of theadvertisement content.

An aspect ratio of the main screen 1402 is in an applicable ratio. Forexample, the main screen 1402 have the same aspect ratio as a fullscreen when the stadium mode is deactivated. Further, a size of the mainscreen 1402 is in an applicable size. For example, the size of the mainscreen 1402 is fixed to a predetermined size, which is for example,greater than 50% (e.g., 70-80%) of the entire screen. In anotherexample, the size of the main screen 1402 dynamically changes inaccordance with content displayed in the main screen 1402 and/or in oneor both of the secondary screens 1404 and 1406.

In some embodiments, the media content displayed in the main screen 1402are received from an applicable source such as a media provider system(e.g., the media provider system 102 in FIG. 1) and a media, social,market delivery system (e.g., the media, social, market delivery system108 in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, at least one of the vertical secondary screen 1404and the horizontal secondary screen 1406 is provided to displayadvertisement content. The advertisement content may be a still image, asequence of still images with limited movement (e.g., each containingdifferent advertisement objects), or a video image. For example, thelimited movement may be implemented by applicable animations, such aswiping out an advertisement image and wiping in another advertisementimage, and fading out an advertisement image and fading in anotheradvertisement image. Depending upon a specific implementation of theembodiment, the direction of the wiping in/out may be in an applicabledirection such as a horizontal or vertical direction. Advantageously, noor limited movement of images in the advertisement content are lesslikely distract viewers from media content displayed in the main screen1402. Further, advertisement content may be without audio content, forthe similar advantage as the no or limited movement of images.

In some embodiments, the number and location of the secondary screen(s)(e.g., the vertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondaryscreen 1406) can be selected appropriately. For example, the secondaryscreen(s) are located at fixed position(s). In another example, thesecondary screen(s) are located at user-specified position(s). Further,a size of the secondary screen(s) is in an applicable size. For example,the size of the secondary screen(s) is fixed to a predetermined size. Inanother example, the secondary screen(s) is in a user-specified size. Instill another example, the size of the secondary screen(s) dynamicallychanges in accordance with content displayed in the secondary screen(s)and/or content displayed in the main screen 1402.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, theadvertisement content may be associated with various applicableparameters. In a specific implementation, the advertisement content maybe associated with media content displayed in the main screen 1402, suchthat an efficient promoting effect can be provided to advertisers. Forexample, when the media content displayed in the main screen 1402 are alive sports scene, the advertisement content may contain one or more ofathletic clothes, beverages, and food products. In a specificimplementation, the advertisement content may be associated with a userprofile of the media platform system. For example, the advertisementcontent are associated with a use history of the user, which may bestored in applicable datastore of the media platform system and providedto an applicable destination such as an advertisement provider system(e.g., the advertisement provider system 104 in FIG. 1) and a media,social, market delivery system (e.g., the media, social, market deliverysystem 108 in FIG. 1) at a predetermined timing (e.g., daily). The usehistory may include one or more of a channel selection history, aprogram view history, and a product purchase history through thepurchase mode.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, one or bothof the vertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondaryscreen 1406 display advertisement content at applicable timing andduration. For example, one or both of the vertical secondary screen 1404and the horizontal secondary screen 1406 may solely displayadvertisement content. In another example, one or both of the verticalsecondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondary screen 1406 maydisplay advertisement content in an occasion and non-advertisementcontent in another occasion. In still another example, when one of thevertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondary screen 1406displays advertisement content, the other of the vertical secondaryscreen 1404 and the horizontal secondary screen 1406 displaysnon-advertisement content. In still another example, one or both of thevertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondary screen 1406displays advertisement content unless non-advertisement content areavailable, and switches display content from the advertisement contentto the non-advertisement content upon the non-advertisement contentbeing available. In still another example, advertisement contentdisplayed in the vertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontalsecondary screen 1406 may be synchronized, such that a singleadvertisement scene can be displayed.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, thenon-advertisement content may include content associated with the mediacontent displayed in the main screen 1402. For example, when the mainscreen 1402 displays a live sports scene, the non-advertisement contentmay include information relevant to the sports (e.g., player stats, gamestats, fantasy stats, scoring details, information of other venues ofthe same sports, SNS feeds related to the sports event, news related tothe sports event, etc.).

In some embodiments, the advertisement content displayed in one or bothof the vertical secondary screen 1404 and the horizontal secondaryscreen 1406 are received from an applicable source such as anadvertisement provider system (e.g., the advertisement provider system104 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the non-advertisement contentdisplayed in one or both of the vertical secondary screen 1404 and thehorizontal secondary screen 1406 are received from an applicable sourcesuch as a media provider system (e.g., the media provider system 102 inFIG. 1) and a media, social, market delivery system (e.g., the media,social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the stadium mode is implemented by an applicableengine such as a stadium mode interface engine (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the stadium modeis available when content metadata (e.g., channel, program, and themedia content) of the media content, which are received from anapplicable source (e.g., the media provider system 102 or the media,social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1), indicates that the mediacontent are compatible with the stadium mode. In some embodiments, thestadium mode may require preapproval (e.g., user authentication) by anapplicable system (e.g., the media, social, market delivery system 108in FIG. 1) to use the function before activating the stadium mode, andthe preapproval may also require fees.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate an example of screen transition to activate astadium mode. FIGS. 15-17 illustrate screens 1500 a and 1100 b, 1200 aand 1200 b, and 1300 a and 1300 b, respectively, and the screentransition is assumed to occur in this order.

In the example of FIG. 15, the screen 1500 a corresponds to a main menu,and includes a menu bar 1502 and a main navigation panel 1504. Moreparticularly, the screen 1500 a is at a state where a selectable objectindicating “live” is selected in the menu bar 1502 and objectscorresponding live content are displayed in the main navigation panel1504.

In the example of FIG. 15, the screen 1500 b corresponds to a screenafter a selectable object indicating “sports” is selected in the mainnavigation panel 1504 of the screen 1500 a, and includes a group ofselectable objects 1506 each of which corresponds to a channel thatbroadcasts unique media content.

In the example of FIG. 16, the screen 1600 a corresponds to a screenafter a selectable object indicating “sportsnet” on the left top corneris selected from the group of selectable objects 1506, and includes achannel selection bar 1602, a channel shift window 1604, a selectedchannel window 1606, a selected channel content screen 1608, a selectedchannel time table 1610, and a current program window 1612.

The channel selection bar 1602 includes one or more selectable objectscorresponding to the group of selectable objects 1506 included in thescreen 1500 b in FIG. 15. In some embodiments, the channel selection bar1602 indicates the selected object in the screen 1500 b at apredetermined position (e.g., end of the displayed selectable objects).In some embodiments, when one of the selectable objects in the selectionbar 1602 is selected, the screen 1600 a is updated for the channelcorresponding to the selectable object selected in the selection bar1602.

The channel shift window 1604 includes selectable objects correspondingto a previous channel and a next channel of the channel corresponding tothe selected object in the screen 1500 b. In some embodiments, when oneof the selectable objects in the channel shift window 1604 is selected,the screen 1600 a is updated for the next channel or the previouschannel. The selected channel window 1606 includes an applicable image(e.g., the title logo) of the channel selected in the screen 1500 b.

The selected channel content screen 1608 includes media content that iscurrently played back in the channel selected in the screen 1500 b. Anaspect ratio of the selected channel content screen 1608 is in anapplicable ratio. For example, the selected channel content screen 1608have the same aspect ratio as a full screen of the media content.

The selected channel time table 1610 includes a time table of thechannel selected in the screen 1500 b. The time table includes one ormore entries each of which corresponds to a unique time frame of acontent program in the selected channel. Depending on a specificimplementation, an entry including the current time is highlighted andselectable, which causes transition to full screen of the current mediacontent in the selected channel. Further, one or more entries in thetime table for which a stadium mode is available includes a mark 1614indicating that the corresponding time frame is stadium-mode-compatible.

The current program window 1612 includes information of the currentmedia content played back in the channel selected in the screen 1500 b.In some embodiments, the current program window 1612 also includes oneor more selectable objects to put tags the selected channel or the mediacontent. For example, the tags include favorites bookmark, rating, andso on. In some embodiments, the current program window 1612 alsoincludes one or more selectable objects to view information of celebrityassociated with the media content. For example, when a sports game is onthe media content, information of a famous player associated with thesports game is accessible from the one or more selectable objects in thecurrent program window 1612.

In the example of FIG. 16, the screen 1600 b corresponds to a fullscreen of the current media content of the selected channel. In someembodiments, the screen 1600 b includes an indicator 1614 that the mediacontent in the screen 1600 b is compatible with the stadium mode.

In the example of FIG. 17, the screen 1700 a corresponds to a screenwhen a smart bar 1702 is pulled up in a state where the full screen ofthe current media content is displayed. Since the stadium mode isavailable for the current media content, the smart bar 1702 includes aselectable object 1704 for the stadium mode. In some embodiments, theselectable object 1704 is highlighted to emphasize that the stadium modeis available.

In the example of FIG. 17, the screen 1700 b corresponds to a screenafter the selectable object 1704 for the stadium mode is selected in thescreen 1700 a, and includes a main screen 1702, a vertical secondaryscreen 1704, and a horizontal secondary screen 1706. In the example ofFIG. 17, the main screen 1702 is a smaller version of the full-screencurrent media content, the vertical secondary screen 1704 includes gamestats, and the horizontal secondary screen 1706 includes advertisementcontent associated with the media content.

In some embodiments, when the current media content end and the nextmedia content in the same channel are not compatible with the stadiummode, the main screen 1702 automatically expands to a full-screen andthe vertical secondary screen 1704 and the horizontal secondary screen1706 disappear. In some embodiments, when the current media content endand the next media content in the same channel are not compatible withthe stadium mode, the main screen 1702, the vertical secondary screen1704, and the horizontal secondary screen 1706 are maintained, and mediacontent including advertisement content are displayed in the main screen1702.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart 1800 of an example method of operationof a stadium mode according to some embodiments. In step 1802, an inputto start (activate) a stadium mode is received. An applicable engine forreceiving an input to start a stadium mode (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can receive theinput to start the stadium mode. In some embodiments, the input to startthe stadium mode is received from a dedicated remote control devicecoupled to the media platform system or a wireless mobile device, whenthe smart bar including the selectable object for the stadium mode isdisplayed on a screen. In another embodiment, the inputs may be voice orgestures made by human agents, such as users or viewers.

In step 1804, optionally, an authorization request for receiving stadiummode content is transmitted to an applicable system (e.g., the media,social and market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). An applicable enginefor transmitting an authorization request (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can transmitthe authorization request through an applicable interface connected to acommunication network (e.g., the communications network 112 in FIG. 1).

In step 1806, optionally when step 1804 is carried out, authorization toreceive stadium mode content is received from an applicable system(e.g., the media, social and market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). Anapplicable engine for receiving authorization (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can receive theauthorization to receive stadium mode content.

In step 1808, stadium mode content are obtained. An applicable enginefor obtaining stadium mode content (e.g., the stadium mode interfaceengine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can obtain stadium modecontent from an applicable source (e.g., the media provider system 102and/or the media, social and market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). Insome embodiments, the stadium mode content are original media contentthat do not include advertisement interruption or filtered media contentfrom which advertisement content are filtered out.

In step 1810, optionally, non-advertisement content are obtained. Anapplicable engine for obtaining non-advertisement content (e.g., thestadium mode interface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper,can obtain non-advertisement content from an applicable source (e.g.,the media provider system 102 and/or the media, social and marketdelivery system 108 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, thenon-advertisement content include content associated with the stadiummode content obtained in step 1808.

In step 1812, advertisement content are obtained. An applicable enginefor obtaining advertisement content (e.g., the stadium mode interfaceengine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can obtain advertisementcontent from an applicable source (e.g., the advertisement providersystem 104 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the advertisement contentinclude content associated with the stadium mode content obtained instep 1808.

In step 1814, content obtained in steps 1808, (1810 optionally), and1812 are presented on corresponding regions of a stadium mode screen. Anapplicable engine for presenting obtained content (e.g., the stadiummode interface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, canpresent the obtained content on a stadium mode screen. In someembodiments, the stadium mode screen includes a main screen (e.g., themain screen 1402 in FIG. 14) for displaying the stadium mode content andone or more secondary screens (e.g., the secondary screens 1404 and1406) for displaying the advertisement content and the non-advertisementcontent.

Advantageously, according to the stadium mode discussed above, a mediaplatform system can provide viewers live media content withoutinterruption or with limited interruption of the live media content byadvertisement content, while providing advertisement space for mediaproviders of the live media content. Further, according to the stadiummode discussed above, the stadium mode screen can also displaynon-advertisement content associated with the live media content. Since,viewers can access some useful information through the non-advertisementcontent while watching the live media content, use of the stadium modecan be further promoted.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a billboard screen 1900 that isdisplayed when a media platform system is started according to someembodiments. The billboard screen 1900 is capable of providing a userwith content options that are associated with the user and enables theuser to more efficiently proceed to a media content that the user isinterested in. In some embodiments, the billboard screen 1900 isdisplayed as an initial screen after user authentication or user loginhas been completed, and before a main menu screen (e.g., the screen 2300shown in FIG. 23) is displayed. In the example in FIG. 19, the billboardscreen 1900 includes a main billboard screen 1902, a left secondaryscreen 1904 a at a left edge of the main billboard screen 1902, and aright secondary screen 1904 b at a right edge of the main billboardscreen 1902.

In some embodiments, the main billboard screen 1902 is provided todisplay a plurality of panels 1906 that represent media content such aschannels or programs that are available or promoted to viewers. In amore specific implementation, the panels 1906 displayed in the mainbillboard screen 1902 include selectable panels corresponding to mediacontent, such as movies, television programs, music, live sportscontent, and live performance content, and so on. In addition, thepanels 1906 may also include selectable panels corresponding to newsfeeds, celebrity pages, shopping pages, user pages, games, internetpages, friends social pages, and applications (e.g., Netflix, HBO, Now,etc.) to name a few. Once a selectable panel is selected, a screentransitions to a screen associated with the content included in theselected panel.

The panels 1906 in the main billboard screen 1902 may be a still image,a sequence of still images with limited movement (e.g., each containingdifferent advertisement objects), a video image, or combination thereof.For example, the limited movement may be implemented by applicableanimations, such as flipping of the panels, sliding in/out of the panelsand so on. Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment,the flipping direction of the panels may be in an applicable directionsuch as a horizontal or vertical direction. Advantageously, somemovement of the panels 1906 in the main billboard screen 1902 are morelikely to attract viewers to the panels 1906 in the main billboardscreen 1902. Further, advertisement content may be with audio contentassociated with the movement of the panels 1906, for the similaradvantage as the movement of the panels 1906.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, when thepanels 1906 are provided with animation, various applicable displaytechniques may be employed. For example, the content displayed on theflipped side of a panel may include different content from the contenton the original side of the panel. That is, an original side of a panelmay include a movie, and the opposite side of the panel may include anewsfeed. In another example, the timing to flip the panels 1906 may beappropriately determined. In some implementations, the timing to flipthe panels 1906 are independent from each other, so as to attract moreattention of viewers to the flipped panel. In alternativeimplementations, the timing to flip the panels 1906 are interrelated toeach other, so as to provide more organized animation to viewers.Content on the flipped panels may recurrently displayed on the samepanel or different panel according to an applicable algorithm.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, the sizes ofthe panels 1906 may be associated with various applicable parameters.For example, a size of a panel that represents content of greaterassociation (e.g., higher frequency to visit the content, inclusion infavorites, most recent visit to the content, and so on, with a user maybe larger than a size of a panel that represents content of lesserassociation with the user. In another example, a size of a panel thatrepresents content having more viewers to may be larger size of a panelthat represents content having less viewers.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, thearrangement of the panels 1906 may be associated with various applicableparameters. For example, a panel that represents content of greaterassociation (e.g., higher frequency to visit the content, inclusion infavorites, most recent visit to the content, and so on, with a user maybe located at a center (or top) in the main billboard screen 1902. Inanother example, a panel that represents content having more viewers tomay be located at a position closer to the center (or top) in the mainbillboard screen 1902, than a panel that represents content having lessviewers is. In some implementations, a larger panel may be located at aposition closer to the center in the main billboard screen 1902, than asmaller panel.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, a pluralityof panels among the panels 1906 may correspond to a single mediacontent. For example, each of the plurality of panels among the panels1906 may represent a single movie content.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, an aspectratio of the main billboard screen 1902 is in an applicable ratio. Forexample, the main billboard screen 1902 has the same aspect ratio (e.g.,16:9) as a full screen during a normal display of media content.Further, a size of the main billboard screen 1902 is in an applicablesize. For example, the size of the main billboard screen 1902 is fixedto a predetermined size, which is for example, greater than 50% (e.g.,70-80%) of the entire screen. In another example, the size of the mainbillboard screen 1902 dynamically changes in accordance with contentdisplayed in the main billboard screen 1902 and/or in one or both of theleft and right secondary screens 1904 a and 1904 b.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, an aspectratio of the main billboard screen 1902 is in an applicable ratio. Forexample, the main billboard screen 1902 has the same aspect ratio (e.g.,16:9) as a full screen during a normal display of media content.Further, a size of the main billboard screen 1902 is in an applicablesize. For example, the size of the main billboard screen 1902 is fixedto a predetermined size, which is for example, greater than 50% (e.g.,70-80%) of the entire screen. In another example, the size of the mainbillboard screen 1902 dynamically changes in accordance with contentdisplayed in the main billboard screen 1902 and/or in one or both of theleft and right secondary screens 1904 a and 1904 b.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, an aspectratio of the panels 1906 is in an applicable ratio. For example, thepanels 1906 has the same aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9) as each other. Inanother example, the panels 1906 has different aspect ratio depending oncontent to be displayed therein.

In some embodiments, the content displayed in the panels 1906 of themain billboard screen 1902 are associated with a user (e.g., useraccount). In a more specific implementation of the embodiment, thecontent displayed in the panels 1906 are associated with accessfrequency by the user. For example, a panel representing a content(e.g., channel) that has been accessed by the user above a predeterminedthreshold (e.g., at least once in the past week) is configured to bedisplayed in the main billboard screen 1902. In another specificimplementation of the embodiment, the content displayed in the panels1906 are associated with user's selection. For example, a panelrepresenting a content (e.g., channel) that has been selected as afavorite is configured to be displayed in the main billboard screen1902. In this case, the panel representing a content (e.g., channel)that has been selected as favorite may be fixed (pinned) at auser-selected or predetermined position in the main billboard screen1902 along with an indicator (e.g., pin). In another specificimplementation of the embodiment, the content displayed in the panels1906 are displayed along with an indicator (e.g., icon, mark, emoji,etc.) indicating a type (e.g., TV, movie, music, sports, game, etc.) ofmedia content accessible therethrough. For example, when media contentcorresponding to a panel is a game, a mark of a game controller may beoverlaid on the panel. In another specific implementation of theembodiment, indicators overlaid on the panels 1906 are located at anapplicable position that provides high contrast with respect to mainimages on the panels 1906. For example, when a white indicator isoverlaid on a dark-color portion (e.g., black, gray, navy, etc.) of anmain image, if any. In another example, a color of the indicator isselected depending on color of an main image.

In some embodiments, the content to be displayed in the panels 1506 ofthe main billboard screen 1902 are received from an applicable sourcesuch as a media provider system (e.g., the media provider system 102 inFIG. 1) and a media, social, market delivery system (e.g., the media,social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). Further, for the mediaprovider system and/or the media, social, market delivery system togenerate the content to be displayed in the panels 1506, the mediaplatform system provides user's interaction manner (e.g., use history)to the media provider system and/or the media, social, market deliverysystem.

In FIG. 19, at least one of the left secondary screen 1904 a and theright secondary screen 1904 b is provided to display advertisementcontent. The advertisement content may be a still image, a sequence ofstill images with limited movement (e.g., each containing differentadvertisement objects), or a video image. For example, the limitedmovement may be implemented by applicable animations, such as wiping outan advertisement image and wiping in another advertisement image, andfading out an advertisement image and fading in another advertisementimage. Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, thedirection of the wiping in/out may be in an applicable direction such asa horizontal or vertical direction. Advantageously, no or limitedmovement of images in the advertisement content are less likely distractviewers from media content displayed in the main billboard screen 1902.Further, advertisement content may be without audio content, for thesimilar advantage as the no or limited movement of images.

In some embodiments, at least one of the left secondary screen 1904 aand the right secondary screen 1904 b includes a plurality of panels inwhich the advertisement content are displayed in a similar manner as thepanels 1506 in the main billboard screen 1902. In this case, the mannerof displaying the panels may employ the similar display manner as thatof the panels 1506. For example, a plurality of panels in at least oneof the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen 1904b may correspond to one advertisement object (e.g., advertised product).In another example, the panels in at least one of the left secondaryscreen 1904 a and the right secondary screen 1904 b flip to displaydifferent content (e.g., different advertisement object). In anotherexample, the panels in at least one of the left secondary screen 1904 aand the right secondary screen 1904 b are selectable. Upon selection ofone of the panels in the left secondary screen 1904 a or the rightsecondary screen 1904 b, a new screen (e.g., webpage) corresponding toadvertisement object included in the selected panel may be displayed.

In some embodiments, the number and location of the secondary screen(s)(e.g., the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen1904 b) can be selected appropriately. For example, the secondaryscreen(s) are located at fixed position(s). In another example, thesecondary screen(s) are located at user-specified position(s). Further,a size of the secondary screen(s) is in an applicable size. For example,the size of the secondary screen(s) is fixed to a predetermined size. Inanother example, the secondary screen(s) is in a user-specified size. Instill another example, the size of the secondary screen(s) dynamicallychanges in accordance with content displayed in the secondary screen(s)and/or content displayed in the main billboard screen 1902. In anotherexample, the size of a plurality of secondary screens is the same.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, theadvertisement content may be associated with various applicableparameters. In a specific implementation, the advertisement content maybe associated with media content displayed in the main billboard screen1902, such that an efficient promoting effect can be provided toadvertisers. For example, when the media content displayed in the mainbillboard screen 1902 includes an emphasized panel representing a drama,the advertisement content may contain one or more of another dramastarted by a main actor of the drama in the panel. In another specificimplementation, the advertisement content may be associated with a userprofile of the media platform system. For example, the advertisementcontent are associated with a use history of the user, which may bestored in applicable datastore of the media platform system and providedto an applicable destination such as an advertisement provider system(e.g., the advertisement provider system 104 in FIG. 1) and a media,social, market delivery system (e.g., the media, social, market deliverysystem 108 in FIG. 1) at a predetermined timing (e.g., daily or weekly).The use history may include one or more of a channel selection history,a program view history, and a product purchase history through thepurchase mode. In another example, the advertisement content may beassociated with a celebrity followed by a user (e.g., endorsed by thecelebrity) in the media platform system, associated with a product thatis liked or endorsed by the user's friends, and an entity that sponsorsmedia content in a panel.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, one or bothof the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen 1904b display advertisement content at applicable timing and duration. Forexample, one or both of the left secondary screen 1904 a and the rightsecondary screen 1904 b may solely display advertisement content. Inanother example, one or both of the left secondary screen 1904 a and theright secondary screen 1904 b may display advertisement content in anoccasion and non-advertisement content in another occasion. In stillanother example, when one of the left secondary screen 1904 a and theright secondary screen 1904 b displays advertisement content, the otherof the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen 1904b displays non-advertisement content. In still another example, one orboth of the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen1904 b displays advertisement content unless non-advertisement contentare available, and switches display content from the advertisementcontent to the non-advertisement content upon the non-advertisementcontent being available. In still another example, advertisement contentdisplayed in the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondaryscreen 1904 b may be synchronized, such that a single advertisementscene can be displayed.

In some embodiments, the advertisement content displayed in one or bothof the left secondary screen 1904 a and the right secondary screen 1904b are received from an applicable source such as an advertisementprovider system (e.g., the advertisement provider system 104 in FIG. 1)on an applicable timing. In some embodiments, the non-advertisementcontent displayed in one or both of the left secondary screen 1904 a andthe right secondary screen 1904 b are received from an applicable sourcesuch as a media provider system (e.g., the media provider system 102 inFIG. 1) and a media, social, market delivery system (e.g., the media,social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1) on a regular basis (e.g.,daily or weekly).

In some embodiments, the stadium mode is implemented by an applicableengine such as an interactive programming guide engine (e.g., theinteractive programming guide engine 206 in FIG. 2).

FIGS. 20-23 illustrate an example of screen transition including abillboard screen according to some embodiments. FIGS. 20-23 illustratescreens 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300, respectively, and the screentransition is assumed to occur in this order.

In the example of FIG. 20, the screen 2000 corresponds to a loginscreen, and includes a user selection region 2002 overlaid on abackground 2004. In some embodiments, the screen 2000 is displayed uponstart (e.g., power on) of the media platform system. The user selectionregion 2002 is provided to select a user from one or more usersassociated with the media platform system. In a specific implementation,users that are registered with the media platform system are displayedin the user selection region 2002. When a new user is added, aselectable object to be registered as a new user is also provided in theuser selection region 2002. The background 2004 may display applicablecontent. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 20, blurred orscramble content (e.g., a billboard screen or a menu screen) may bedisplayed.

In the example of FIG. 21, the screen 2100 corresponds to an initialbillboard screen after login through the screen 2000 in FIG. 20, andincludes a main billboard screen 2102, a left secondary screen 2104 a,and a right secondary screen 2104 b. The main billboard screen 2102includes a plurality of panels 2106 that indicate initial content, whichmay be unique to the user or predetermined content not associated withthe user.

In the example of FIG. 22, the screen 2200 corresponds to a portion of amain billboard screen that transitions from the screen 2100, andincludes a plurality of selectable panels 2202 at least part of whichcorrespond to content available through the media platform system. Byselecting one of the panels 2202, the user can proceed to a screenassociated with the selected panel. For example, a user is able toproceed to an initial screen to playback a movie, by selecting a panelcorresponding to the movie.

In the example of FIG. 23, the screen 2300 corresponds to a portion of amain menu, and includes a menu bar 2302 and a main navigation panel2304. In some embodiments, the screen 2300 is displayed when none ofselectable panels displayed in the main billboard screen 2200 isselected for a predetermined period of time and/or when a user input toproceed to the main menu is received, for example, through a remotecontroller. From the screen 2300, the user can proceed to user selectedmedia content, such as the Internet, apps, social network content, TV,film (movie), live content, favorite content of the users, games, music,rewards, and so on.

FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart 2400 of an example method of displayinginitial screens after start of a media platform system according to someembodiments. In step 2402, a login screen is displayed upon start (e.g.power on) of a media platform system. An applicable engine fordisplaying a login screen (e.g., the interactive programming guideengine 206 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can display the loginscreen on an applicable output device (e.g., the output subsystem 2206in FIG. 2).

In step 2404, optionally, an authorization request for receiving mediacontent items is transmitted to an applicable system (e.g., the media,social and market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). An applicable enginefor transmitting an authorization request (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can transmitthe authorization request through an applicable interface connected to acommunication network (e.g., the communications network 112 in FIG. 1).

In step 2406, optionally when step 2404 is carried out, authorization toreceive media content items is received from an applicable system (e.g.,the media, social and market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1). Anapplicable engine for receiving authorization (e.g., the stadium modeinterface engine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can receive theauthorization to receive media content items.

In step 2408, billboard content items are obtained. An applicable enginefor obtaining billboard content items (e.g., the interactive programmingguide engine 206 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can obtainbillboard content items from an applicable source (e.g., the mediaprovider system 102 and/or the media, social and market delivery system108 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the billboard content items arethumbnails of content available to the user and/or content promoted tothe user based on a user profile (e.g., use history) of the user. In analternative embodiment, step 2408 may be carried out regularly atpredetermined timings, and therefore step 2408 may be carried out beforestep 2402, between steps 2402 and 2404, and between steps 2404 and 2406.

In step 2410, advertisement content are obtained. An applicable enginefor obtaining advertisement content (e.g., the stadium mode interfaceengine 214 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can obtain advertisementcontent from an applicable source (e.g., the advertisement providersystem 104 in FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the advertisement contentinclude content associated with the user profile (e.g., use history) ofthe user. In an alternative embodiment, step 2410 may be carried outregularly at predetermined timings, and therefore step 2410 may becarried out before step 2402, between steps 2402 and 2404, between steps2404 and 2406, and between steps 2406 and 2408.

In step 2412, content obtained in steps 2408 and 2410 are presented oncorresponding regions of a billboard screen. An applicable engine forpresenting obtained content (e.g., the interactive programming guideengine 206 in FIG. 2) described in this paper, can present the obtainedcontent on a billboard screen. In some embodiments, the billboard screenincludes a main billboard screen (e.g., the main billboard screen 1902in FIG. 19) for displaying panels corresponding to available orrecommended media content and one or more secondary screens (e.g., thesecondary screens 1904 a and 1904 b) for displaying the advertisementcontent and/or the non-advertisement content.

Advantageously, according to the billboard screen discussed above, amedia platform system can provide a user with a user-specific initialscreen (billboard) to efficiently access content without transitioningto a non-user-specific screen (e.g., main menu) after the user logs inon a media platform system. In other words, a user can access intendedmedia content directly through the user-specific initial screen withoutaccessing the non-user-specific screen. Since content options that theuser is more likely to select can be shown in the billboard screen, itis possible to provide a more user-friendly GUI through which the usercan be more efficiently navigated to the intended media content.

FIG. 25 illustrates an example 2500 of systems to carry out asynchronized presentation according to some embodiments. Thesynchronized presentation discussed in this paper is intended torepresent synchronized presentation of media content to multiple clientsystems simultaneously. The example 2500 of systems shown in FIG. 25includes media provider system(s) 2502, advertisement provider system(s)2504, a media, social, market delivery system 2506, a communicationnetwork 2508, and a plurality of client systems 2510-A, . . . 2511-N. Inthe example 2500 shown in FIG. 25, the media provider system(s) 2502,advertisement provider system(s) 2504, the media, social, marketdelivery system 2506, and the plurality of client systems 2510-A, . . .2511-N are coupled to each other through the communication network 2508.In some embodiments, the content provider system(s) 2502, advertisementprovider system(s) 2504, the media, social, market delivery system 2506,the communication network 2508, and the plurality of client systems2510-A, . . . 2511-N correspond to the media provider system(s) 102,advertisement provider system(s) 104, the media, social, market deliverysystem 108, the communication network 112, and the media platformsystems 106 in FIG. 1, respectively.

In the example 2500 of FIG. 25, one or more of the media providersystem(s) 2502 includes a communication engine 2511, a social interfaceengine 2514, a synchronized presentation engine 2516, a playback engine2518, an output subsystem 2520, and a media platform system datastore2522. In some embodiments, the communication engine 2511, the socialinterface engine 2514, the synchronized presentation engine 2516, theplayback engine 2518, the output subsystem 2520, and the media platformsystem datastore 2522 correspond to the communication engine 224, thesocial interface engine 220, the playback engine 208, the outputsubsystem 226, and the media platform system datastore 228 in FIG. 2,respectively.

In the example 2500 of FIG. 25, the communication engine 2511 isconfigured to communicate with external systems, such as the mediaprovider system(s) 2502, the advertisement provider system(s) 2504, themedia, social, market delivery system 2506, and other client systems2510 through the communication network 2508. In a specificimplementation, the communication engine 2511 sends a request for mediacontent to the media provider system(s) 2502 and receives the requestedmedia content from the media provider system(s) 2502. In anotherspecific implementation, the communication engine 2511 sends a requestfor login authentication to the media provider system(s) 2502 andreceives login authentication from the media provider system(s) 2502. Inanother specific implementation, the communication engine 2511 sends arequest or permission for advertisement to the advertisement providersystem(s) 2504, and receives advertisement content from theadvertisement provider system(s) 2504.

In the example 2500 of FIG. 25, the social interface engine 2514 isconfigured to perform friend connection process for the synchronizedpresentation. In some embodiments, to carry out the synchronizedpresentation, a plurality of users who participate in the synchronizedpresentation have to be connected as friends with each other in theenvironment of the client systems. In some embodiments, the socialinterface engine 2514 is configured to generate a friend request basedon a user interaction with the client system 2510 and cause thecommunication engine 2511 to transmit the generated friend request toone or more other client systems 2510. In some embodiments, the socialinterface engine 2514 is configured to receive friend request(s)transmitted from one or more other client systems 2510 through thecommunication engine 2511 and generate a notification of the friendrequest to a user on a GUI displayed on the output subsystem 2520. Insome embodiments, the social interface engine 2514 is configured togenerate an acceptance message upon user acceptance of the friendrequest on a GUI displayed on the output subsystem 2520 and cause thecommunication engine 2511 to transmit to the acceptance message to theone or more other client systems 2510 from which the friend request hasbeen transmitted. Upon acceptance of a friend request, a user who sentthe friend request and a user who accepted the friend request areconnected as friends with each other. In a specific implementation, theinformation of the friend connection is stored in applicable datastore,such as datastore in the media, social, market delivery system 2506and/or datastores in each of the client systems 2510 that havecommunicated for friend connection.

In some embodiments, the social interface engine 2514 is configured togenerate a GUI for searching friends to be displayed on the outputsubsystem 2520, and perform friend search based on user input of searchkeys and registered information of users. For example, the search keysmay include one or more of name (real user name), user name on thesystem, user ID, phone number, email address, mail address, affiliatedorganization (e.g., school, company, local community clubs, etc.), userphoto, and so on. In some embodiments, registered information of usersused for the friend search may be limited to authorized information byeach user. For example, when a user does not allow the user's emailaddress to be used for friend search, the social interface engine 2514does not use the user's email address for the friend search.

In some embodiments, the social interface engine 2514 is configured togenerate a GUI for performing instant communication between participantsof a synchronized presentation during the synchronized presentation. Forexample, the social interface engine 2514 generates a GUI for instanttext or video chat overlaid on or placed adjacent to a main screen fordisplaying content of the synchronized presentation, which enables theparticipants to share messages about the content of the synchronizedpresentation while accessing the content. The messages on the instantcommunication are transmitted and received through the communicationengine 2511.

In the example 2500 of FIG. 25, the synchronized presentation engine2516 is configured to establish a synchronized presentation session forthe synchronized presentation. To establish the synchronizedpresentation session, the synchronized presentation engine 2516generates a group of users who participate in the synchronizedpresentation session. In some embodiments, the synchronized presentationengine 2516 is configured to generate a GUI to start a synchronizedpresentation session and causes the output subsystem 2520 to display thegenerated GUI. In some embodiments, the generated GUI to establish thesynchronized presentation session includes one or more selectableobjects each of which corresponds to a friend of a user, and uponselection of one or more selectable objects, an invitation toparticipate in the synchronized presentation session is transmittedthrough the communication engine 2511 to one or more client systems 2510associated with users corresponding to the one or more selectableobjects. In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine 2516is configured to receive invitations transmitted from one or more otherclient systems 2510 through the communication engine 2511 and generate anotification of the invitation to a user on a GUI displayed on theoutput subsystem 2520. In some embodiments, the synchronizedpresentation engine 2516 is configured to generate an acceptance messageupon user acceptance of the invitation on a GUI displayed on the outputsubsystem 2520 and cause the communication engine 2511 to transmit tothe acceptance message to the one or more other client systems 2510 fromwhich the invitation has been transmitted. Upon acceptance of aninvitation, a user who sent the invitation and a user who accepted theinvitation are included in a group of a synchronized presentationsession. In a specific implementation, the information of the group ofthe synchronized presentation session is stored in applicable datastore,such as datastore in the media, social, market delivery system 2506and/or datastores in each of the client systems 2510 that havecommunicated for friend connection. Depending on a specificimplementation of embodiments, an applicable number (e.g., two, five,ten, etc.) of users can participate in a single synchronizedpresentation session.

Depending on a specific implementation of embodiments, the synchronizedpresentation session may be established for applicable time. Forexample, a synchronized presentation session is established for acurrent time, in which case content are synchronously presented toparticipants as soon as preparation for the synchronized presentationsession is completed. In another example, a synchronized presentationsession is established for a future time, in which case content aresynchronously presented to participants upon the future time coms andpreparation for the synchronized presentation session is completedbefore the future time.

In some embodiments, to establish a synchronized presentation session,the synchronized presentation engine 2516 also determines content to bepresented during the synchronized presentation session. In determiningthe content to be presented during the synchronized presentationsession, in some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine 2516generates a GUI to select content to be presented during thesynchronized presentation session and causes the output subsystem 2520to display the generated GUI. In a specific implementation, thegenerates GUI includes one or more selectable objects each of whichcorrespond to media content that the user is authorized to access. Forexample, selectable objects correspond to free content and paid contentthat have been purchased by the user. In a specific implementation, thegenerates GUI also includes one or more selectable objects correspondingto paid content that have not been purchased by the user. In such acase, selection of a selectable object corresponding to paid contentthat has not been purchased by the user may guide the user to a GUI forpurchasing the paid content, and further may guide the user to downloadthe purchased paid content to a corresponding client system.

In some embodiments, the synchronized presentation engine 2516 alsodetermines whether or not each participant is authorized to access thedetermined content, by communicating with a synchronized presentationengine of other client systems accessed by other participants. Forexample, when the determined content is paid content and at least oneother participant has not paid for the determined content, thesynchronized presentation engine 2516 determines that said one otherparticipant is not authorized to access the determined content, andgenerate an applicable GUI, such as a notification that the determinedcontent cannot be presented in the synchronized presentation session,for display by the output subsystem 2520. Further, the synchronizedpresentation engine 2516 may cause the client system of thenon-authorized user to present a purchase prompt that prompts thenon-authorized user to purchase the determined content. In anotherexample, when the determined content is non-copyright-protected contentor use of the determine content is within fair use ofcopyright-protected content, in terms of a copyright law of thejurisdiction, the synchronized presentation engine 2516 determines thateach participant is authorized to access the determined content.

In some embodiments, to start an established synchronized presentationsession, the synchronized presentation engine 2516 determines whether ornot the established synchronized presentation session is ready to bestarted. In determining whether or not the established synchronizedpresentation session is ready to be started, in some embodiments, thesynchronized presentation engine 2516 of one of the participating users(e.g., participant who initiated the synchronized presentation mode)determines whether or not each participant is ready to start theestablished synchronized presentation session. For example, thesynchronized presentation engine 2516 causes a client system of eachparticipant to generate a GUI to inquire whether or not the participantis ready. For example, the generated GUI may be displayed by the outputsubsystem 2520 and includes a selectable object to answer “ready” and aselectable object to answer “not ready.” In a specific implementation,the established synchronized presentation session is started when anapplicable number (e.g., all participants, majority, a predeterminednumber, etc.) of participants are determined to be ready. In anotherspecific implementation, no answer to the inquiry is considered as“ready.” Upon determining that the established synchronized presentationsession is ready, the synchronized presentation engine 2516 causes theplayback engine 208 of each participant to start presenting thedetermined content. Depending on a specific implementation ofembodiments, the determined content may be obtained from applicablesource (e.g., the media platform system datastore 2511, the mediaprovider system 2502, etc.) individually on each client system, andapplicable signals such as synchronization signals and command signalsare communicated among client systems.

Depending on a specific implementation of embodiments, applicableparticipants has control of the started synchronized presentationsession. For example, one or more participants that are set as masterparticipants have control (e.g., start, stop, forward, reverse, etc.) ofthe started synchronized presentation session (if the content is usercontrollable), and one or more participants that are set as slaveparticipants (or not determined as the master participants) have limitedor no control of the started synchronized presentation session. Inanother example, each participant has equal control of the startedsynchronized presentation session. In still another example, noparticipant has control except for termination of the synchronizedpresentation session, when the presented content is live content.

Depending on a specific implementation of embodiments, content during asynchronized presentation session are presented synchronously in anapplicable manner. For example, the presented content have completesynchronization, according to which each frame presented to participantsare the same, with a minor data propagation delay among the clientsystems, if any. In another example, the presented content havenon-complete synchronization, according to which each frame presented toparticipants involves a slight difference. In a more specificimplementation, advertisement content included in the content presentedduring a synchronized presentation session is different depending onvarious applicable parameters, such as user profiles of the participants(e.g., user preference, user location, etc.). In another more specificimplementation, displayed language (e.g., captions, subtitles, orscrolling tickers) and/or audio language may be different among theparticipants.

FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an example of screen transition for socialcommunication according to some embodiments. FIGS. 26-29 illustratescreens 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900, respectively.

In the example of FIG. 26, the screen 2600 corresponds to a main menuscreen, and includes a friend selection region 2602 including aplurality of selectable objects 2604 each of which represents a friendof a user. In some embodiments, the screen 2600 is displayed uponselection of a selectable object (e.g., social) on a menu region (e.g.,menu bar on a left side) of a previous screen. The friend selectionregion 2602 is provided for the user to select a friend from one or morefriends of the user. In a specific implementation, friends that accepteda friend request sent by the user and/or friends who sent friendrequests to the user and have the friend requests accepted by the userare displayed in the friend selection region 2602.

In the example of FIG. 27, the screen 2700 corresponds to a user homescreen (or, “personal portal”). The screen 2700 includes an instantcommunication region 2702, selectable objects 2704 to initiatecommunication with friends, and selectable objects 2706 each of whichrepresents a friend of a user. In some embodiments, the screen 2700 isdisplayed upon a user input to go to a user home screen on applicablescreens, such as a main menu and a smart bar, or on applicable userinputs, such as a user input on a remote controller.

The instant communication region 2702 is provided for the user toperform instant communication with one or more friends of the user.Depending on a type of instant communication, the instant communicationregion 2702 presents an applicable GUI for instant communication. Forexample, when a text chat is the type of the instant communication,input text and past-input texts are presented on the instantcommunication region 2702. In another example, when a video chat is thetype of the instant communication, a live video stream of the user sideand/or a live video stream of the friend side are displayed on theinstant communication region 2702.

The selectable objects 2704 to initiate communication with friends areprovided to select a type of communication to be communicated with oneor more friends of the user. Depending on a type of instantcommunication, the selectable objects 2704 include selectable objectscorresponding to applicable communication type. For example, theselectable objects 2704 include selectable objects for instant textchat, instant video chat, and mail messages.

The selectable objects 2706 to select friend are provided for the userto select to select a friend from one or more friends of the user. In aspecific implementation, friends that accepted a friend request sent bythe user and/or friends who sent friend requests to the user and havethe friend requests accepted by the user are displayed in the selectableobjects 2706.

In the example of FIG. 28, the screen 2800 corresponds to a screenincluding when an instant communication is carried out. The screen 2800includes the instant communication region 2802 and a smart bar 2804 thatare overlaid on a main screen 2806. In some embodiments, the screen 2800is displayed upon a user input to start instant communication withfriends on the smart bar 2804 that is pulled up by another user input topull up a smart bar. The instant communication region 2802 is providedfor the user to perform instant communication with one or more friendsof the user. In some embodiments, the instant communication region 2802has the same or similar configuration as the instant communicationregion 2702 on the screen 2700. The smart bar 2804 can correspond to thesmart bar 502 depicted in FIG. 5. The background 2806 may displayapplicable content. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 28, blurredor scramble content (e.g., a billboard screen or a menu screen) may bedisplayed.

In some embodiments, applicable screens, such as the screens 2600, 2700,and 2800, are configured to initiate the synchronized presentation mode.For example, upon selection of one of the selectable objects 2604 toselect friend on the screen 2600, an option to start a synchronizedpresentation mode with the selected friend may be presented. In anotherexample, upon selection of one of the selectable objects 2706 to selectfriend on the screen 2700, an option to start a synchronizedpresentation mode with the selected friend may be presented. In stillanother example, a selectable object to start a synchronizedpresentation mode may be included in selectable objects in a smart bar,such as the smart bar 2800 on the screen 2800.

In the example of FIG. 29, the screen 2900 corresponds to a screenincluding when a notification is received. The screen 2900 includes anotification region 2902 and a smart bar 2904 that are overlaid on amain screen 2906. In some embodiments, the screen 2900 is displayed upona user input to pull up the notification region 2902 on applicablescreens, such as a main menu and a smart bar, or on applicable userinputs, such as a user input on a remote controller. The notificationregion 2902 includes applicable notifications that have been received.In some embodiments, the notification includes a request to start asynchronized presentation mode from a friend, an acceptance message thata friend accepted a request to start a synchronized presentation modesent by the user, an inquiry whether the user is ready to start playbackof media content in a synchronized presentation mode, and anacknowledgement that a friend is ready to start playback of mediacontent in a synchronized presentation mode. The smart bar 2904 cancorrespond to the smart bar 502 depicted in FIG. 5. The background 2906may display applicable content. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG.29, blurred or scramble content (e.g., a billboard screen or a menuscreen) may be displayed.

FIG. 30 illustrates a timing flowchart 3000 of an example method ofcarrying out synchronized presentation among a plurality of clientsystems (e.g., media platform systems 106 in FIG. 1) according to someembodiments. In step 3002, friend connection is established among aplurality of users. An applicable engine for establishing fiendconnection (e.g., the social interface engine 2514 in FIG. 25) describedin this paper can establish friend connection. In some embodiments, theusers connected as friends with each other use different client systemsand communicate with each other for establishing friend connection(e.g., by friend requests, acceptance, etc.).

In step 3004, a synchronized presentation mode is initiated. Anapplicable engine for initiating a synchronized presentation mode (e.g.,the synchronized presentation engine 2516 in FIG. 25) described in thispaper can initiate a synchronized presentation mode. In someembodiments, when a synchronized presentation mode is initiated, a groupof participants is determined based on communication (e.g., invitation,acceptance, etc.) of a user who initiated the synchronized presentationmode with other users who are friends with the initiating user. In someembodiments, when a synchronized presentation mode is initiated, contentto be presented during a synchronized presentation session is determinedbased on user authority to access content.

In step 3006, the synchronized presentation session is started whenapplicable number of participants are determined to be ready to startthe synchronized presentation session.

An applicable engine for starting a synchronized presentation session(e.g., the synchronized presentation engine 2516 in FIG. 25) describedin this paper can start a synchronized presentation session. In someembodiments, to start a synchronized presentation session, whether ornot applicable number of participants are ready is determined based oncommunication (e.g., inquiry, answer, etc.) among the participants.

In step 3008, media content determined to be presented are presented toparticipants through corresponding client systems. An applicable enginefor presenting media content (e.g., playback engine 2518 in FIG. 25)described in this paper can present the determined media content. Insome embodiments, in step 3008, optionally, instant communication iscaused to be available among the participants. An applicable engine formaking instant communication available (e.g., the social interfaceengine 2514 in FIG. 25) described in this paper can make instantcommunication available during the started synchronized presentationsession.

In step 3010, the started synchronized presentation session isterminated. An applicable engine for terminating a synchronizedpresentation session (e.g., the synchronized presentation engine 2516 inFIG. 25) described in this paper can terminate a synchronizedpresentation session. In some embodiments, the synchronized presentationsession is automatically terminated upon completion of the mediacontent. In some embodiments the synchronized presentation session isterminated based on user inputs before and/or after completion of themedia content.

Advantageously, according to the billboard screen discussed above,client systems can present participants of a synchronized presentationsession synchronized content. Since regardless of location of clientsystems, participants who are geographically remote from each other canaccess the same content simultaneously. In addition, during asynchronized presentation session, participants thereof can shareinformation with each other through instant communication GUI that ispresented along with the synchronously presented content withoutdeparting from the presented content.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example of a split screen 3100 that is displayedwhen a split screen mode is activated according to some embodiments. Thesplit screen mode enables a user to simultaneously access multiple mediacontent in a main screen. In the example in FIG. 31, the split screen3100 includes a first sub-screen 3102 a, a second sub-screen 3102 b, anda bottom region 2705.

In some embodiments, each of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the secondsub-screen 3102 b is configured to display media content independentlyfrom each other. For example, the first sub-screen 3102 a may display amovie, and the second sub-screen 3102 b may display a sports program.The bottom region 2705 is reserved for various purposes, such as fordisplay of a smart bar and/or advertisement.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, the sizes ofthe first sub-screen 3102 a and the second sub-screen 3102 b may befixed to a predetermined size (e.g. the same size). In the alternative,the sizes of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the second sub-screen 3102b may be variable in accordance with various applicable parameters. Forexample, the sizes of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the secondsub-screen 3102 b may be determined based on resolution of the mediacontent to be displayed thereon. In a more specific instance, a size ofa sub-screen (one of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the secondsub-screen 3102 b) that displays higher-resolution images is larger thana sub-screen (the other of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the secondsub-screen 3102 b) that displays lower-resolution images. In anotherexample, a size of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the second sub-screen3102 is set based on user inputs.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, an aspectratio of the first sub-screen 3102 a and the second sub-screen 3102 b isin an applicable ratio. For example, one or both of the first sub-screen3102 a and the second sub-screen 3102 b has the same aspect ratio (e.g.,16:9) as a full screen during a normal display of media content.

In some embodiments, the content to be displayed on the first sub-screen3102 a and the second sub-screen 3102 b are received from an applicablesource such as a media provider system (e.g., the media provider system102 in FIG. 1) and a media, social, market delivery system (e.g., themedia, social, market delivery system 108 in FIG. 1).

FIG. 32 illustrates another example of a screen 3200 that is displayedwhen a split screen mode is activated according to some embodiments. Inthe example in FIG. 32, the split screen 3200 includes a firstsub-screen 3202 a, a second sub-screen 3202 b, a third sub-screen 3202c, and a fourth sub-screen 3202 d. In some embodiments, each of thefirst, second, third, and fourth sub-screens 3102 a-d is configured todisplay media content independently from each other, in the same orsimilar manner as the first sub-screen 3102 a and the second sub-screen3102 b in the screen 3100 in FIG. 31.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, the numberof the sub-screens on the entire screen is an applicable number. In animplementation, the maximum number of the sub-screens is determinedbased on a resolution of a display device on which the media content aredisplayed. For example, the maximum size is determined to be 9 when theresolution is 8K (8192×4320), the maximum size is determined to be 4when the resolution is 4K (4096×2160) or less and above full HD(1920×1080), and the maximum size is determined to be 2 when theresolution is HD (1280×720) or less. The resolution may be pulled upfrom the display device or obtained based on user inputs. In anotherexample, the maximum number of the sub-screens is determined based on adisplay size of the display device. For example, the maximum size isdetermined to be 9 when the display size is 60 inch or above, themaximum size is determined to be 4 when the display size is 40-59 inch,and the maximum size is determined to be 2 when the display side is 39inch or less. The display size may be pulled up from the display deviceor obtained based on user inputs in the same or similar manner as theresolution.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, anapplicable process of splitting the screen can be employed. In aspecific implementation, a non-split screen can be split into aplurality of split screens (e.g., sub-screens) through a single process.For example, a non-split screen (i.e., full screen) is split into aplurality of split screens of a maximum splittable number (e.g., 4 or9). In another specific implementation, a non-split screen can be splitinto a plurality of split screens through multiple processes. Forexample, a non-split screen (i.e., full screen) is split into aplurality of split screens (e.g., sub-screens) of a number (e.g., 2)less than a maximum splittable number (e.g., 4 or 9) through a firstprocess, and the split screens are further split into a plurality ofsplit screens (e.g., mini-screens) through a second process. In thiscase, each of the split screen may be independently split or splittogether. For example, a first split screen (e.g., sub-screen) may besplit into multiple screens (e.g., mini-screens), independently fromsplit of a second screen (e.g., sub-screen) into multiple screens (e.g.,mini-screens). In another example, a first split screen (e.g.,sub-screen) may be split into multiple screens (e.g., mini-screens),together with split of a second screen (e.g., sub-screen) into multiplescreens (e.g., mini-screens).

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, applicablevisual content are displayed on split screens. In a specificimplementation, one of the split screens displays original media contentdisplayed on a screen before the split, and the other of the splitscreen display or do not display the original media content. Forexample, the original media content is displayed on a plurality of thesplit screens. That is, the same media content is displayed on theplurality of the split screens. In another example, a default content(e.g., a billboard and a main menu) is displayed on one of the splitscreens that do not display the original media content. In still anotherexample, a still screen (e.g., black-out screen, logo, etc.) isdisplayed on one of the split screens that do not display the originalmedia content. Further, when the original media content is not displayedon all of the split screens, the original media content may be displayedon split screen(s) at applicable position(s). For example, the originalmedia content is displayed on a split screen at a predetermined position(e.g., left, right, top, or bottom, center, etc.). In another example,the original media content is displayed on a split screen at auser-designated position.

Depending upon a specific implementation of the embodiment, applicableaudio content are presented in accordance with split screens. In aspecific implementation, audio content corresponding to one of the splitscreens is selectively presented (with a normal volume), and audiocontent corresponding to the other of the split screens are muted orgenerated with a reduced volume. The selection of the split screen forwhich audio content is presented may be determined based on user inputor a predetermined algorithm. For example, when only one of the splitscreens includes audio content, the audio content of the only one splitscreen may be presented. In another example, when a plurality of thesplit screens includes audio content, the audio content of the pluralityof the split screens are sequentially presented for a predetermined timelength (e.g., 5-20 sec), for example, in a repeated manner. In stillanother example, audio content of a new media content (e.g. channel) maybe preferentially presented over pre-existing media content. In stillanother example, audio content of a media content that has the highestmatching with a user profile of the user (e.g., most frequently visitedchannel, channel in user's favorites, celebrity in user's favorite) maybe preferentially presented.

FIG. 33 illustrates a flowchart 3300 of an example method of operatingin a split screen mode according to some embodiments. In step 3302, anon-split screen is displayed after login to a media platform system. Anapplicable engine for displaying a non-split screen (e.g., interactiveprogramming guide engine 206, the playback engine 208, the socialinterface engine 220, etc. in FIG. 2) described in this paper, candisplay the non-split screen on an applicable output device (e.g., theoutput subsystem 2206 in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the non-splitscreen includes a full-size screen displaying any content, such as abillboard, a main menu, and media content.

In step 3304, an input to start a split screen mode is received. Anapplicable engine for transmitting an input to start a split screenmode, such as a remote controller, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop, asmart watch, and so on, can transmit the input to start the split screenmode. Also, an applicable engine for receiving the input to start thesplit screen mode (e.g., the split presentation engine 210 in FIG. 2)can receive the input to start the split screen mode. In someembodiments, the inputs may be voice or gestures made by human agents,such as users or viewers.

In step 3306, the non-split screen is split into multiple sub-screens ofa first number (e.g. two). An applicable engine for splitting screen(e.g., the split presentation engine 210 in FIG. 2) can split thenon-split screen. Depending on a specific implementation of someembodiments, the first number is less than a maximum splittable number.

In step 3308, optionally, upon receiving selection of content to bedisplayed on one or more of the sub-screens, the content on thesub-screens are switched. An applicable engine for making selection ofcontent, such as a remote controller, a smart phone, a tablet, a laptop,a smart watch, and so on, can make the selection of content. In someembodiments, the selection may be made by voice or gestures of humanagents, such as users or viewers. Also, an applicable engine forreceiving selection of content (e.g., the split presentation engine 210in FIG. 2) can receive the selection of content.

In step 3310, upon receiving an input to further split screen, at leastone of the sub-screens are split into mini-screens of a second number(e.g., two). Similarly to step 3308, an applicable engine for splittingscreen (e.g., the split presentation engine 210 in FIG. 2) can split thesub-screen(s). Depending on a specific implementation of someembodiments, the second number is less than the maximum splittablenumber.

In step 3312, optionally, upon receiving selection of content to bedisplayed on one or more of the mini-screens, the content on themini-screens are switched. In some embodiments, step 3312 can be carriedout in a similar manner as step 3310.

In step 3314, upon receiving an input to further split screen, at leastone of the sub-screens that have not been split into mini-screens aresplit into mini-screens of a third number (e.g., two). Similarly tosteps 3308 and 3310, an applicable engine for splitting screen (e.g.,the split presentation engine 210 in FIG. 2) can split thesub-screen(s). Depending on a specific implementation of someembodiments, the third number is less than the maximum splittablenumber.

In step 3316, optionally, upon receiving selection of content to bedisplayed on one or more of the mini-screens generated in step 3314, thecontent on the mini-screens are switched. In some embodiments, step 3316can be carried out in a similar manner as step 3310 and 3312. As aresult, according to the split screens discussed above, a media platformsystem can provide viewers with a plurality of content (e.g., mediacontent) simultaneously in a user-interactive manner.

FIG. 34 depicts a diagram 3400 of an example of a computing device 3402.Any of the systems 102-108 and the communication network 110 maycomprise an instance of one or more computing devices 3402. Thecomputing device 3402 comprises a processor 3404, memory 3406, storage3408, an input device 3410, a communication network interface 3412, andan output device 3414 communicatively coupled to a communication channel3416. The processor 3404 is configured to execute executableinstructions (e.g., programs). In some embodiments, the processor 3404comprises circuitry or any processor capable of processing theexecutable instructions.

The memory 3406 stores data. Some examples of memory 3406 includestorage devices, such as RAM, ROM, RAM cache, virtual memory, etc. Invarious embodiments, working data is stored within the memory 3406. Thedata within the memory 3406 may be cleared or ultimately transferred tothe storage 3408.

The storage 3408 includes any storage configured to retrieve and storedata. Some examples of the storage 3408 include flash drives, harddrives, optical drives, cloud storage, and/or magnetic tape. Each of thememory system 3406 and the storage system 3408 comprises acomputer-readable medium, which stores instructions or programsexecutable by processor 3404.

The input device 3410 is any device that inputs data (e.g., mouse andkeyboard). The output device 3414 outputs data (e.g., a speaker ordisplay). It will be appreciated that the storage 3408, input device3410, and output device 3414 may be optional. For example, therouters/switchers may comprise the processor 3404 and memory 3406 aswell as a device to receive and output data (e.g., the communicationnetwork interface 3412 and/or the output device 3414).

The communication network interface 3412 may be coupled to a network(e.g., network 110) via the link 3418. The communication networkinterface 3412 may support communication over an Ethernet connection, aserial connection, a parallel connection, and/or an ATA connection. Thecommunication network interface 3412 may also support wirelesscommunication (e.g., 802.11 a/b/g/n, WiMax, LTE, WiFi). It will beapparent that the communication network interface 3412 may support manywired and wireless standards.

It will be appreciated that the hardware elements of the computingdevice 3402 are not limited to those depicted in FIG. 34. A computingdevice 3402 may comprise more or less hardware, software and/or firmwarecomponents than those depicted (e.g., drivers, operating systems, touchscreens, biometric analyzers, and/or the like). Further, hardwareelements may share functionality and still be within various embodimentsdescribed herein. In one example, encoding and/or decoding may beperformed by the processor 3404 and/or a co-processor located on a GPU(i.e., NVidia).

FIGS. 35A-35C illustrates an example screen transition for presentingcelebrity profiles (or, “celebrity portals”). For example, thetransition may occur in response to a search for celebrity profile(s)).FIGS. 35A-35C illustrate screens 3500 a, 3500 b and 3500 c respectively,and the screen transition is assumed to occur in this order, althoughthe screen transitions may occur in another order instead of, or inaddition to, the order shown here.

In the example of FIG. 35A, the screen 3500 a corresponds to a mainmenu, and includes a menu bar 3502 and a main navigation panel 3504.More particularly, the screen 3500 a is at a state where an objectindicating “celebrity” is selected in the menu bar 3502, and objectscorresponding to celebrity profiles are displayed in the main navigationpanel 3504.

The main navigation panel 3504 displays a variety of celebrities whoseprofiles are available for the user to subscribe to. Each selectableobject 3506 displays an image of the celebrity, along with their name.Celebrity profiles may be organized by a plurality of categories, suchas category a film category 3508, a sports category 3510 and a musiccategory 3512 as seen in FIG. 35A. The user may select one of theplurality of selectable objects, such as selectable object 3506 tonavigate to the celebrity profile associated with the selectable object3506. Alternatively, the user may select one of a plurality of categoryicon, such as a film category icon 3507 to navigate to a screen whichcorresponds to a screen displaying a variety of celebrities which belongto the film category. In some embodiments, the plurality of categoriesinclude TV, Internet or the like to include television celebrities,internet celebrities and the like.

In the example of FIG. 35B, the screen 3500 b corresponds to a screenafter an object indicating “film” is selected in the main navigationpanel 3504 of screen 3500 a. Objects corresponding to celebrity profilesin the film category are displayed in navigation panel 3514.

The navigation panel 3514 displays a variety of film celebrities whoseprofiles are available for the user to subscribe to and/or view.Celebrity profiles, as represented by a selectable object 3516, areorganized into a plurality of film categories, such as an actor category3508, a director category and a producer category as seen in FIG. 35B.The user may select one of the plurality of selectable objects, such asthe selectable object 3516 to navigate to the celebrity profileassociated with the selectable object 3516. Alternatively, the user mayselect one of a plurality of category icon, such as an actor categoryicon 3524 to navigate to a screen which corresponds to a screendisplaying a variety of celebrities which belong to the actor category.

In the example of FIG. 35C, the screen 3500 c corresponds to a screenafter an object indicating “actor” is selected from navigation panel3514 of screen 3500 b. Objects corresponding to celebrity profiles inthe actor category are displayed in navigation panel 3524.

The navigation panel 3524 displays a variety of actor celebrities whoseprofiles are available for the user to subscribe to and/or view.Celebrity profiles, as represented by a selectable object 3526. The usermay select one of the plurality of selectable object, such as theselectable object 3526 to navigate to the celebrity profile associatedwith the selectable object 3526.

In the example of FIG. 36, illustrates an example screen of a limitedcelebrity portal interface 3600. In the illustrate embodiment, thecelebrity profiled in the limited celebrity portal interface 3600 isRobert Downey Jr. The limited celebrity portal interface 3600corresponds to a screen after the user selects selectable object 3526 ofnavigation panel 3514 of FIG. 35C. The limited celebrity portalinterface 3600 includes a subscription icon 3602, an image of thecelebrity 3604, a celebrity content 3606, and a celebrity status 3608.The limited the celebrity may be a celebrity portal that is presented toa user who has not subscribed to the celebrity.

The subscription icon 3602 may be a selectable object that the user caninteract with (e.g., click) to subscribe to the celebrity profile. Thesubscription icon 3602 displays the number of subscribers to thecelebrity profile portal.

The image of the celebrity 3604 serves as a background to the limitedcelebrity portal interface 3600. In some embodiments, the celebrity maychoose the image displayed in the background of the limited celebrityportal interface 3600.

The celebrity content 3606 displays a plurality of digital media inwhich the celebrity, for example, Robert Downey Jr., took part in. Insome embodiments, the celebrity content 3606 displays physical goodsassociated with the celebrity. In some embodiments, the celebritycontent 3606 displays media goods and physical goods endorsed by thecelebrity. In some embodiments, the celebrity content displayed in thelimited celebrity portal interface 3600 may be different from asubscribed celebrity portal interface.

The celebrity status 3608 displays the status of the celebrity to theircelebrity portal interface. In the illustrated example, the celebritystatus 3608 displays discloses a date that the celebrity profile portalwas published. In some embodiments, the celebrity status displayed inthe limited celebrity portal interface 3600 may be different from asubscribed celebrity portal interface.

FIG. 37A-37C illustrates an example screen transition for subscribing toa celebrity profile. FIGS. 37A-37C illustrate screens 3700 a, 3700 b and3700 c respectively, and the screen transition is assumed to occur inthis order. The background of the screens 3700 a, 3700 b and 3700 c isthe limited celebrity portal interface 3600 of FIG. 36, the selectableobjects of the limited celebrity portal interface are not selectable, sofor example, the user cannot interact with the celebrity content.

In the example of FIG. 37A, the screen 3700 a correspond to a screenafter the subscription icon 3602 is selected in the limited celebrityportal interface 3600 of FIG. 36. In a first celebrity portalsubscription interface 3702, users may choose to subscribe to thecelebrity profile for a predetermined fee, or users may choose to exitthe celebrity portal subscription by interacting with selectable object3704 or 3706 respectively. The limited celebrity portal interface 3600may correspond to a screen after the user chooses to interact withselectable object 3706. The screen 3700 b may correspond to a screenafter the user chooses to subscribe to the celebrity profile andinteracts with selectable object 3704.

In the example of FIG. 37B, the screen 3700 b includes a secondcelebrity portal subscription interface 3708 and selectable objects 3710and 3712. In the second celebrity portal subscription interface 3708users may choose to cancel or proceed with the celebrity portalsubscription by interacting with selectable objects 3710 and 3712respectively. The limited celebrity portal interface 3600 correspond toa screen after the user chooses to interact with selectable object 3710.The screen 3700 c correspond to a screen after the user chooses toproceed with the subscription to the celebrity profile and interactswith selectable object 3710.

In the example of FIG. 37C, the screen 3700 c includes a third celebrityportal subscription interface 3714. The celebrity portal subscription iscomplete, by interacting with selectable object 3716, the user gainsaccess to a subscribed celebrity portal interface. In some embodiments,the subscribed celebrity portal interface includes more contentregarding the celebrity.

The example of FIG. 38 illustrates an example screen of a subscribedcelebrity portal interface 3800. The subscribed celebrity portalinterface 3800 includes an image of the celebrity 3802, friends of thecelebrity 3804, a status of the celebrity 3806, a search icon 3808, acamera icon 3810, a subscription icon 3812, a celebrity newsfeed 3814,celebrity content 3816, an advertisement 3818, and a preview of theupcoming celebrity content 3820.

The image of the celebrity 3802 serves as a background to the subscribedcelebrity portal interface 3800. In some embodiments, the celebrity maychoose the image displayed in the background of the subscribed celebrityportal interface 3800.

The friends (or, linked users) of the celebrity 3804 section of thesubscribed celebrity portal interface 3800 displays other celebritieswho are friends with the celebrity associated with the currentsubscribed celebrity portal interface 3800. The friends of the celebrity3804 displays an image for each of the celebrity's friends, users maysubscribe to the portal interface of the celebrity's friends by usingsteps disclosed in the description of FIGS. 37A-37C.

The celebrity status 3806 displays the status of the celebrity to theircelebrity portal interface. In the illustrated example, the celebritystatus 3806 displays discloses a date that the celebrity last accessedtheir profile portal, and the celebrity's status on their profileportal, for example, Robert Downey Jr., is online. In some embodiments,the celebrity status displayed in the limited celebrity portal interface3600 may be different from a subscribed celebrity portal interface.

The search icon 3808 or a selectable object for searching, may be usedto search the content of all of the portal interfaces associated withthat particular celebrity, e.g., Robert Downey Jr., for the terminputted by the user into a search field (not shown). The search icon380 may be used by users to search for other celebrity profiles. Inother embodiments, the search icon 380 may be used by users to searchthe content of all celebrity portal interfaces.

The camera icon 3810, or a selectable object for using an imaging device(e.g., camera) coupled to a media platform system (e.g., the mediaplatform system 106 in FIG. 1).

The subscription icon 3812 displays the number of subscribers to thecelebrity profile portal.

The celebrity newsfeed 3814 displays a message exchange between thecelebrity associated with the subscribed celebrity portal interface3800, e.g., Robert Downey Jr. and one or more of their celebrityfriends. Like other communications between celebrities described herein,the celebrity newsfeed may be limited to interactions (e.g., messageexchanges) between celebrities (e.g., and not include includesinteractions between celebrities and non-celebrity users). In theillustrated embodiment, celebrity newsfeed 3814 also displays mediaitems associated with the celebrity, e.g., Robert Downey Jr. In someembodiments, the celebrity may choose the media items that he/she wantsto display in celebrity newsfeed 3814. In some embodiments, the user maychoose at the time the user subscribes to the celebrity profile, orlater, the categories of interest for the celebrity, for example, theuser may be interested only in Robert Downey Jr.'s music.

The celebrity content 3816 displays a plurality of digital media inwhich Robert Downey Jr. took part in. In some embodiments, the celebritycontent 3616 displays physical goods associated with the celebrity. Insome embodiments, the celebrity content 3616 displays media goods andphysical goods endorsed by the celebrity. For example, celebrity content3816 may display the media that the celebrity is currently watching,playing or listening, or the last media that the celebrity watched, playor listened to. In some embodiments, the celebrity content displayed inthe subscribed celebrity portal interface may be different from thelimited celebrity portal interface 3600.

The advertisement 3818 section is an area of the subscribed celebrityportal 3800 that the media platform system may use to insertadvertisements. The media platform system 106 may retrieve advertisementmedia from advertisement provider system 104. In some embodiments, themedia platform system 106 may only insert advertisements associated withthe celebrity associated with the subscribed celebrity portal 3800. Insome embodiments, the celebrity may choose the image displayed in thebackground of the subscribed celebrity portal 3800.

The preview of the upcoming celebrity content 3820 section is an area ofis an area of the subscribed celebrity portal 3800 that shows a previewof a media associated with the celebrity. In some embodiments, thepreview of the upcoming celebrity content 3820 section shows a previewof a media associated with the celebrity that is available exclusivelywith media platform system 106. In some embodiments, an advertisementmay be placed in the preview of the upcoming celebrity content 3820 ifthe celebrity has no upcoming content.

FIG. 39 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of subscribing to acelebrity portal interface 3900.

In step 3902, a user search for a celebrity profile. The user can accessa screen similar to screen 3500 a of FIG. 35A. Celebrity portals may beorganized by plurality of categories, such as a film category, a sportscategory or a music category. Metadata, received from the metadataprocessing engine 322, may be embedded in selectable object in thescreen similar to screen 3500 a of FIG. 35A, so that when the userinteracts with the selectable object, celebrity portal engine 336 ofmedia platform system 106 directs the user to the celebrity portalinterface associated with the selectable object. The metadata mayinclude information which identifies the product, the celebrityassociated with the product, Alternatively, the user may select one of aplurality of category icon, such as a sports category icon to navigateto a screen which corresponds to a screen displaying a variety ofcelebrities which belong to the sports category.

Once the user interacts with the selectable object associated with acelebrity profile, step 3904 can occur. In step 3904, the media platformsystem 106 displays limited celebrity portal interface 3600 of FIG. 36or the subscribed celebrity portal interface 3800 of FIG. 38, dependingon whether or not the user has previously subscribed to the celebrityportal interface.

In step 3906, the user may choose categories of interest for thecelebrity, for example, the user may choose to only access certainaspects of a celebrity's body of work, for example the user may beinterested only in Robert Downey Jr.'s music.

In step 3908, the user may choose the method of notification. In someembodiments, the user may choose to be notified of new content in asubscribed celebrity portal interface by email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), IM or the like. The user'schoice of method of notification may be stored in the notificationengine 324. In some embodiments, notification engine 324 may providenotification to one or more remote systems (e.g., media platform systems106 and/or media, social and market delivery system 108).

In step 3910, the user may choose the frequency of notification. In someembodiments, the user may choose to be notified as soon as new contentin the subscribed celebrity portal interface is available. In someembodiments, the user may choose to receive notification of new contentdaily, weekly, monthly, or some customized frequency. The user's choicein frequency of notification may be stored in the notification engine324.

In step 3912, the user may choose to subscribe to the celebrity profilefor a predetermined free. Media platform system 106 may access useraccount information 152 for payment information, such as credit cardinformation from the user.

In step 3914, the user confirms the subscription of the celebrityprofile. The user can access a screen similar to the third celebrityportal subscription interface 3714 of FIG. 37C. With the end of step3914, the process of subscribing to a celebrity portal interface 3900ends.

FIG. 40A-40F illustrates an example screen transition for users topurchase celebrity. FIGS. 40A-40F illustrates screens 4000 a, 4000 b,4000 c, 4000 d, 4000 e, and 4000 f respectively, and the screentransition is assumed to occur in this order although the screentransitions occur in another order instead of, or in addition to, theorder shown here.

In the example FIG. 40A, screen 4000 a corresponds to a screen showing acelebrity content featuring a celebrity, e.g., Jamie Foxx. In someembodiments, the celebrity content is available for users to view liveor on demand. In some embodiments, the celebrity content, is availableexclusively with the media platform system 106. If user interacts withan icon 4002 in screen 4000 a, the GUI engine, in response may identifythe function of the icon 4002 and generate merchandise associated withJamie Foxx available for purchase by the user. In some embodiments, theGUI engine may generate data regarding purchases of media goods,physical goods and the like. The GUI engine may generate data regardingmerchandise associated with Jamie Foxx available for purchase by theuser. The celebrity portal engine 336 may analyze screen 4000 a anddetermine products associated with Jamie Foxx, such as headphones,clothing, or a media that the celebrity is disclosing in the celebritycontent shown on screen 4000 a. the celebrity portal engine 336 maycoordinate with metadata processing engine 322 to generate icons, suchas icon 4008 in FIG. 40B, displaying physical goods or media goods, withembedded metadata, associated with the celebrity. The celebrity portalengine 336 may send these metadata-embedded icons to media platformsystem 106. The purchase engine 222 may render the physical goods ormedia goods onto the screen. The playback engine 208 may receive themetadata-embedded icons and overlay this on the celebrity content, suchas the content displayed on screen 4000 a.

In the example FIG. 40B, screen 4000 b corresponds to a screen showingthe celebrity content overlaid by a celebrity-endorsed product shoppingsection 4004 which includes icon 4008 and a shopping cart icon 4006. Thecelebrity-endorsed product shopping section may allow the user viewingthe celebrity content, live or on-demand, to purchase productsassociated with the celebrity without leaving the celebrity content ormedia. Users may create an order to purchase products associated withthe celebrity by interacting with one or more icons 4004, such as icon4008 which feature an image of headphones, the same brand and style ofheadphones the celebrity is wearing in the celebrity content shown inscreen 4000 b.

In the example FIG. 40C, screen 4000 c corresponds to a screen showing auser in the process of purchasing celebrity-endorsed products. Ashopping cart icon 4010 indicates that there are two items in theshopping cart. The user interacted with icons 4012 and 4014, and mayhave chosen one pair of headphones and one top similar in brand andstyle to the pair of headphones and top the celebrity is wearing in thecelebrity content shown in screen 4000 c without leaving the screenpresenting the celebrity media. A celebrity-endorsed product shoppingsection 4004 a of FIG. 40C includes shopping icon 4010, icons 4012 and4014 as well as a shopping options section 4016. The shopping optionssection 4016 may indicate the name of the item (e.g., a pair ofheadphones) being purchased, the purchase price, different views of theproduct, to allow the user to view the product from different aspects.

In the example FIG. 40D, screen 4000 d corresponds to a screen showingthe user continuing in the process of purchasing celebrity-endorsedproducts. The screen 4000 d displays a shopping options section 4016 ain which the user is required to choose a color from the availablecolors for the pair of headphones without leaving the screen presentingthe celebrity media.

In the example FIG. 40E, screen 4000 e corresponds to a screen showingthe user continuing in the process of purchasing celebrity-endorsedproducts. The screen 4000 e displays a shopping options section 4016 bin which the user is required to choose a size of pair of headphoneswithout leaving the screen presenting the celebrity media. The pair ofheadphones are available only in one size, however, the user may berequired to confirm the choice. If the user has more products topurchase, the steps disclosed in screens 4000 c, 4000 d and 4000 e maybe repeated for each product the user decides to purchase. If the userdoes not wish to purchase more celebrity-endorsed products, the user canproceed with the process of purchasing celebrity-endorsed products. Insome embodiments, the options displayed in the shopping options section4016, 4016 a and 4016 b may vary depending on the product beingpurchased. For example, if the user is wants to purchase a media goodassociated with the celebrity media, the shopping options section maynot be displayed to the user.

In the example FIG. 40F, screen 4000 f corresponds to a screen showingthe user completing the process of purchasing celebrity-endorsedproducts. The screen 4000 d includes an order confirmation 4018. Theorder confirmation 4018 displays shipping address, the user may changethe address the order ships. The purchasing engine 222 may obtain theshipping address from the user account information 152 of media, socialand market delivery system 108. The user may confirm the payment method,the purchasing engine 222 may obtain payment information, such as creditcard information for the user from the user account information 152. Theuser may choose the delivery method, different delivery methods maychange the price of the order.

FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of purchasingcelebrity endorsed products 4100.

In step 4102, the user may browse the screen similar to screen 4000 b ofFIG. 40V, showing celebrity content overlaid by the celebrity-endorsedproduct shopping section 4004. The celebrity-endorsed product shoppingsection may allow the user viewing the celebrity content, live oron-demand, to purchase products associated with the celebrity withoutleaving the celebrity content or media.

In step 4104, the user may select a product that is available forpurchase. For example, the user chooses a top similar in brand and styleto the top the celebrity is wearing in the celebrity content shown inscreen 4000 c.

In step 4106, the user may change or verify the number ofcelebrity-endorsed products that the user wishes to purchase. The usermay also choose product options, such as product size, color and thelike. These options may be displayed to the user in shopping optionssection 4016, 4016 a and 4016 b as seen in FIGS. 40C, 40D and 40Erespectively. In some embodiments, the options displayed in the shoppingoptions section may vary depending on the product being purchased.

In step 4108, once the user has made all the choices for the productoptions, the user may place the item in the shopping cart. If the userhas more celebrity-endorsed products to purchase, the purchasingcelebrity endorsed product method 4100 may proceed to step 4104. If theuser does not have more celebrity-endorsed products to purchase from thecelebrity content, the purchasing celebrity endorsed product method 4100may proceed to step 4112.

In step 4112, the user may make choices regarding delivery method, suchas the different delivery options disclosed in screen 4000 f of FIG.40F. In some embodiments, different delivery methods may change theprice of the order.

In step 4114, the user may confirm the payment method, the purchasingengine 222 may obtain payment information, such as credit cardinformation for the user from the user account information 152.

In step 4116, the user may receive an order summary (not shown) showingthe products that the user has chosen to order, the quantity and productoptions, delivery method, expected arrival date and price.

FIGS. 42A-42G illustrate an example screen transition for users topurchase products through a media system (e.g., media, social and marketdelivery system 108 and/or media platform system 106). Although physicalgoods are primarily shown here, it will be appreciated that thesame/similar process and/or screens may be used for media content. Thescreens may be generated by engines described herein (e.g., purchasingengine 222, and/or market engine 334). FIG. 42A depicts an example GUI4200 showing a main menu shopping screen. FIG. 42B depicts a drilldownscreen 4220 to physical goods (e.g., shoes, as shown). FIG. 42C depictsa drill-down screen 4230 to a particular physical goods (e.g., Nike ShoeKD X, as shown). The screen 4230 may include one or more visuals 4232indicating one or more associated celebrity users. For example, thecelebrity users may endorse the associated physical good. Accordingly,the indicated celebrity users may be compensated in response to apurchase of the item. Celebrity compensation is discussed throughoutthis paper. FIG. 42D depicts a drilldown screen 4240 to shopping cart topurchase the selected item. FIG. 42E depicts a drilldown screen 4250showing another screen in order/purchase process, showing selection ofdelivery options. FIG. 42F depicts a drilldown screen 4260 showing theresult of an order summary of completed purchase. FIG. 42G depicts adrilldown screen 4270 showing a completed purchase.

FIG. 43 illustrates a flowchart 4300 of an example method of celebritycompensation of a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) according to someembodiments.

In step 4302, a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) provides a respectivecustomized portal (e.g., a celebrity portal associated with celebrityaccount information 153) and a respective unique user identifier (e.g.,celebrity account identifier of celebrity account information 153) foreach of a plurality of respective celebrity users (e.g., celebrity usersassociated with celebrity account information 153) of the media system.The media system may be capable of providing media content, socialcontent (e.g., instant communications, user activity, and/or othersocial network content), and market content (e.g., media content and/orphysical goods available for purchase through the media system) to afirst set of users (e.g., users associated with user account information152) of the media system, each of the respective customized portalsbeing at least partially controlled by the respective celebrity user. Insome embodiments, a celebrity portal engine (e.g., celebrity portalengine 336) provides the customized portals. In some embodiments, thecelebrity portal engine may cooperate with a social interface engine(e.g., social interface engine 220) to provide the customized portals.

In step 4304, the media system identifies one or more content items(e.g., media content and/or physical goods) presented through a firstrespective customized portal (e.g., a customized portal associated withand/or at least partially controlled by the Robert Downey, Jr.). In someembodiments, the celebrity portal engine identifies the one or morecontent items.

In some embodiments, the one or more content items are presented throughother portions of the media system. For example, content items may bepresented though a general shopping interface (e.g., an interface notassociated with a celebrity) of the media system.

In step 4306, the media system receives a purchase transaction requestfrom a particular user of the first set of users for a first contentitem of the one or more content items presented through the firstrespective customized portal. For example, a user interacting with themedia system may view and select a pair head phones, and submit arequest to purchase the headphones. This may all be performed withoutthe user leaving the media system (e.g., being directed to another URI,domain, website, and/or third-party system) and/or a single userinterface of the media system. For example, the media system may use aset of URIs (e.g., URLs) and/or other links to navigate betweeninterfaces and/or overlay interfaces and/or regions of interfaces,without directing the user to an external system (e.g., an externaldomain). In some embodiments, a market engine (e.g., market engine 334)receives the purchase transaction request.

In step 4308, the media system processes the purchase transactionrequest. This may include verifying and/or charging a credit card orother payment system (e.g., PayPal, cryptocurrency system, and/or thelike). In some embodiments, the market engine processes and/or initiatesprocessing of the purchase transaction.

In step 4310, the media system receives an indication of a paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request, the paymentamount being paid by the particular user or an entity associated withthe particular user. In some embodiments, the market engine and/or acelebrity compensation engine (e.g., celebrity compensation engine 338)receives the indication of the payment amount.

In step 4312, the media system identifies one or more respectivecelebrity users of the plurality of respective celebrity usersassociated with the purchase transaction request. In some embodiments,the celebrity compensation engine performs the identification.

In some embodiments, the one or more respective celebrity users of theplurality of respective celebrity users associated with the purchasetransaction request include the respective celebrity user at leastpartially controlling the first customized portal.

In some embodiments, the one or more respective celebrity users of theplurality of respective celebrity users associated with the purchasetransaction request include one or more second respective celebrityusers linked to the purchase transaction request. The linking may bebased on a link path resulting in (or, leading to) the receiving of thepurchase transaction request. The link path may be based on therespective customized portals visited by the particular user within apredetermined amount of time prior to the purchase transaction requestbeing received from the particular user.

In step 4314, the media system determines a respective celebritycompensation amount for each of the one or more respective celebrityusers associated with the purchase transaction request. Each of thecelebrity compensation amounts may be determined at substantially thesame time as the indication of the payment amount paid by the particularuser is received. The determination may be based on the payment amountand/or one or more compensation rules (e.g., celebrity compensationrules 360). In some embodiments, the celebrity compensation engineperforms the determination.

In some embodiments, the one or more celebrity compensation rules definethe respective compensation amounts as a percentage of the paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request. The one or morecelebrity compensation rules may define the respective compensationamounts as a percentage of the payment amount associated with thepurchase transaction request and a respective position within the linkpath.

In step 4316, the media system provides each of the celebritycompensation amounts to the respective celebrity users based on therespective unique user identifiers of the respective celebrity usersassociated with the purchase transaction request. The celebritycompensation amounts may be provided in response to the respectivecelebrity compensation amounts being determined. For example, thecelebrity compensation amounts may be provided immediately after, and/orat substantially the same time, the respective celebrity compensationamounts are determined. In some embodiments, the celebrity compensationengine provides the compensation amounts. For example, the compensationamounts may be provided to an account of the media system (e.g., account153), and/or one or more third-party accounts associated with therespective celebrity users and/or associated entity. As used herein, itwill be appreciated that a celebrity user may refer to an individual(e.g., Robert Downey Jr), and/or entities (e.g., representatives,organizations) associated with the individual.

FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart 4440 of an example method of celebritycompensation of a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media system 106) according to some embodiments.

In step 4402, a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) provides a respectivecustomized portal (e.g., a “celebrity portal”) and a respective uniqueuser identifier for each of a plurality of different celebrity users ofa media system. The media system may be capable of providing mediacontent, social content, and market content to a first set of users ofthe media system. Each of the respective customized portals and each ofthe plurality of different celebrity users and respective customizedportals of the media system may be at least partially controlled by arespective celebrity user. In some embodiments, a celebrity portalengine (e.g., celebrity portal engine 336) provides the customizedportals.

In step 4404, the media system provides first media content through afirst respective customized portal of a first celebrity users of theplurality of different celebrity users of the media system. In someembodiments, a playback engine (e.g., playback engine 208) and/or thecelebrity portal engine provides the first media content.

In step 4406, the media system identifies one or more content itemsappearing in the first media content. In some embodiments, a celebritycompensation engine (e.g., celebrity compensation engine 338) identifiesthe one or more content items appearing in the first media content.

In some embodiments, one or more respective content item identifiers ofthe one or more content items are embedded (e.g., encoded) within thefirst media content. They may be embedded as metadata. The one or morecontent items may be identified based on the embedded one or morerespective content item identifiers. For example, a metadata processingengine (e.g., metadata processing 322) may extract the contentidentifiers, compare them to a set a content items, and return thematching content items.

In step 4408, the media system receives a purchase transaction requestfrom a particular user of the first set of users for a first contentitem of the one or more content items appearing in the first media. Thepurchase request may be received at substantially the same time as aplayback of the first media content through a graphical user interfaceof the first respective customized portal. In some embodiments, thepurchase transaction request may be received by the celebritycompensation engine via a purchasing engine (e.g., purchasing engine222).

In some embodiments, the purchase transaction request is received duringplayback of the first media content through a first interface of thefirst respective customized portal. For example, a user may be viewingexclusive content presented through a celebrity, an overlay of availablecontent items may be presented, and the user may select a particularcontent item for purchase.

In some embodiments, the purchase transaction request is processedwithout leaving the first interface of the first respective customizedportal. For example, the user may continue to view the exclusive contentthrough the celebrity portal while purchasing a content item.

In step 4410, the media system processes the purchase transactionrequest. In some embodiments, a market engine (e.g., market engine 334)and/or the celebrity compensation engine processes the purchasetransaction request.

In step 4412, the media system receives an indication of a paymentamount associated with the purchase transaction request. The paymentamount may be paid by the particular user and/or an entity associatedwith the particular user. In some embodiments, the celebritycompensation engine receives the indication of the payment amount.

In step 4414, the media system determines, based on one or morecompensation rules and the payment amount paid by the particular user, acelebrity compensation amount. The celebrity compensation amount may bedetermined at substantially the same time as the indication of thepayment amount associated with the purchase transaction request isreceived. In some embodiments, the celebrity compensation enginedetermines the compensation amount.

In step 4416, the media system provides, in response to the determining,the celebrity compensation amount to the first celebrity user based onthe respective unique user identifier of the first celebrity user. Insome embodiments, the celebrity compensation engine provides thecelebrity compensation amount to the first celebrity.

FIG. 45 illustrates a flowchart 4500 of an example method of graphicaluser interface navigational flow and operation of a celebrity portal ofa media system according to some embodiments.

In step 4502, a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) displays a limitedcelebrity portal interface that includes a set of first visualsindicating a first celebrity user (e.g., an image and/or portrait of alikeness of the first celebrity user) and a second set of visualsindicating a set of content items associated with the first celebrityuser, and a subscription icon. The content items may include videos,movies, music, video games, and/or television shows. The set of contentitems may be selected by the first celebrity user. For example, thecelebrity user may select their favorite and/or endorsed content items.The limited celebrity portal interface may be at least partiallycontrolled by the first celebrity user. In some embodiments, a celebrityportal engine (e.g., celebrity portal engine 336) and/or a socialinterface engine (e.g., social interface engine 220) displays thelimited celebrity portal interface.

In step 4504, the media system, responsive to receiving a selection ofthe subscription icon, overlays a celebrity portal subscriptioninterface over a portion of the limited celebrity poral interface. Thecelebrity portal subscription interface may include a first set ofvisual prompts for completing registration of a non-celebrity userregistration to access a set of subscribed celebrity portal interfacesat least partially controlled by the first celebrity user.

In step 4506, the media system, responsive to receiving inputcorresponding to the first set of visual prompts, verifies the input(e.g., processing a financial transaction). In some embodiments, apurchasing engine (e.g., purchasing engine 222) receives the input andprovides the visual prompts, and a market engine (e.g., market engine334) verifies the input.

In step 4508, the media system, responsive to a successful verificationof the input, displays a first subscribed celebrity portal interface ofthe set of subscribed celebrity portal interfaces including a third setof visuals indicating one or more second celebrity users linked to thefirst celebrity user, and a fourth set of visuals indicating one or moreactivities of the first celebrity user. In some embodiments, thecelebrity portal engine and/or the social interface engine displays thesubscribed celebrity portal interface.

In some embodiments, the one or more activities include one or moreinstant communication messages with one or more of the second celebrityusers, movies that the first celebrity user is watching, video games thefirst celebrity user is playing, and/or music the first celebrity useris listening to. The activities may be current (e.g., currently playingmovies) and/or historical (e.g., activities occurring within apredetermined amount of time of a current time).

In some embodiments, the media system may provide, responsive toreceiving a selection of any of the first visuals, second visuals, thirdvisuals, and fourth visuals, a sharing interface for sharing associatedcontent and/or activities with one or more of the second celebrityusers.

In some embodiments, the set of subscribed celebrity portal interfacesinclude an instant communication region displaying one or morecommunication messages between the first celebrity user and one or moreof the second celebrity users.

FIG. 46 illustrates a flowchart 4600 of an example method of monitoringand sharing user activity and content consumption on a media system(e.g., media, social and market delivery system 108 and/or mediaplatform system 106) according to some embodiments.

In step 4602, a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) monitors first useractivity of a first set of users on a media system. The first set ofusers may be associated with a first set of system privileges (e.g.,privileges to at least partially control their respective personalportal), and the media system may be capable of providing media content,social content, and market content to the first set of users. The firstuser activity of the first set of users may include instantcommunication messages transmitted through the media system between aplurality of users of the first set of users, media consumed by at leasta first user of the first set of users through the media system, and/orpurchases made through the media system by at least the first user ofthe first set of users. In some embodiments, a social engine (e.g.,social engine 332) performs the monitoring of the first user activity.

In some embodiments, the media content includes streaming media,on-demand media content, live media content, broadcast media content,video games, and music. In some embodiments, the market content includesdigital media and physical goods available for purchase through themedia system. In some embodiments, consumed media includes historical/orand current media consumption. For example, movies a user is currentlywatching (e.g., a synchronized viewing mode, non-synchronized viewingmode, and/or the like), and/or movies the user has previously watched(e.g., within a predetermined amount of time before current consumptionis determined).

In some embodiments, the first user activity includes one or more usersof the second set of users that the first user is subscribed to. Forexample, a first user may be subscribed to one or more celebrities.

In some embodiments, the instant communication messages that originatefrom any of the second set of users are limited to being sent to one ormore other users of the second set of users. For example, celebritiesmay be limited to communicating with other celebrities, and/or preventedfrom communicating with other types of users.

In step 4604, the media system monitors second user activity of a secondset of users (e.g., celebrity users) on the media system. The second setof users may be associated with a second set of system privileges (e.g.,celebrity privileges to at least partially control their respectivecelebrity portal). The second user activity of the second set of usersincluding instant communication messages transmitted through the mediasystem between a plurality of users of the second set of users, mediaconsumed by at least a second user of the second set of users throughthe media system, and/or content items endorsed by at least the seconduser of the second set of users. In some embodiments, the social engineperforms the monitoring of the second user activity.

In step 4606, the media system causes a first update of a personalportal of the media system. The personal portal being associated withthe first user of the first set of users. The first update may be basedon the monitoring of the first user activity of the first set of userson the media system. In some embodiments, the social engine causes thefirst update.

In step 4608, the media system causes a second update of a celebrityportal of the media system. The celebrity portal being associated withthe second user of the second set of users, the second update may bebased on the monitoring of the second user activity of the second set ofusers on the media system. In some embodiments, the social engine causesthe second update.

In some embodiments, the media system shares at least a portion of thefirst user activity with one or more other users of the first set ofusers linked to the first user. The first update may be based on thesharing.

In some embodiments, the media system shares at least a portion of thesecond user activity with one or more other users of the second set ofusers linked to the second user. The second update may be based on thesharing.

FIG. 47 illustrates a flowchart 4700 of an example graphical userinterface navigational flow and operation of a personal portal of amedia system (e.g., media, social and market delivery system 108 and/ormedia platform system 106) according to some embodiments.

In step 4702, a media system (e.g., media, social and market deliverysystem 108 and/or media platform system 106) displays a first screeninterface of a personal portal of a media system. The media systemcapable of providing media content, social content, and market contentto users of the media system. The first screen interface may include acommunication initiation region, a linked user region, an advertisementregion, and/or a user activity region. The communication initiationregion may include a set of first visuals indicating a plurality ofdifferent selectable types of digital communication. The linked userregion may a set of second visuals indicating a set of second userslinked to the first user. The user activity region may include a thirdset of visuals indicating user activity of the first user. The personalportal may be at least partially controlled by the first user. In someembodiments, a social engine (e.g., social engine 332) and/or a socialinterface engine (e.g., social interface engine) displays the firstscreen. For example, the social engine may generate interfaces of thepersonal portal which may be displayed by the social interface engine.

In some embodiments, the user activity includes movies the first user iswatching, video games the first user in playing, and music the firstuser is listening to.

In step 4704, the media system overlays, responsive to receiving aselection of an instant communication visual of the set of visuals, aninstant communication region over a portion of the first screeninterface of the personal portal, prompting the user to select aparticular user from the set of second users linked to the first user,and establishing an instant communication session between the first userand the selected particular user. In some embodiments, the social engineand/or social interface engine overlays the instant communicationregion.

It will be appreciated that an “engine,” “system,” “datastore,” and/or“database” may comprise software, hardware, firmware, and/or circuitry.In one example, one or more software programs comprising instructionscapable of being executable by a processor may perform one or more ofthe functions of the engines, datastores, databases, or systemsdescribed herein. In another example, circuitry may perform the same orsimilar functions. Alternative embodiments may comprise more, less, orfunctionally equivalent engines, systems, datastores, or databases, andstill be within the scope of present embodiments. For example, thefunctionality of the various systems, engines, datastores, and/ordatabases may be combined or divided differently. The datastore ordatabase may include cloud storage. It will further be appreciated thatthe term “or,” as used herein, may be construed in either an inclusiveor exclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance.

The datastores described herein may be any suitable structure (e.g., anactive database, a relational database, a self-referential database, atable, a matrix, an array, a flat file, a documented-oriented storagesystem, a non-relational No-SQL system, and the like), and may becloud-based or otherwise.

The systems, methods, engines, datastores, and/or databases describedherein may be at least partially processor-implemented, with aparticular processor or processors being an example of hardware. Forexample, at least some of the operations of a method may be performed byone or more processors or processor-implemented engines. Moreover, theone or more processors may also operate to support performance of therelevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “softwareas a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations maybe performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines includingprocessors), with these operations being accessible via a network (e.g.,the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., anApplication Program Interface (API)).

The performance of certain of the operations may be distributed amongthe processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployedacross a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the processorsor processor-implemented engines may be located in a single geographiclocation (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or aserver farm). In other example embodiments, the processors orprocessor-implemented engines may be distributed across a number ofgeographic locations.

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

The present invention(s) are described above with reference to exampleembodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious modifications may be made and other embodiments may be usedwithout departing from the broader scope of the present invention(s).Therefore, these and other variations upon the example embodiments areintended to be covered by the present invention(s).

1. A system, the system comprising: one or more processors; and memorystoring instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors,cause the system to perform: monitoring first user activity of a firstset of users on a media system, the first set of users being associatedwith a first set of system privileges, the media system capable ofproviding media content, social content, and market content to the firstset of users, the first user activity of the first set of usersincluding instant communication messages transmitted through the mediasystem between a plurality of users of the first set of users, mediaconsumed by at least a first user of the first set of users through themedia system, and purchases made through the media system by at leastthe first user of the first set of users; monitoring second useractivity of a second set of users on the media system, the second set ofusers being associated with a second set of system privileges, thesecond user activity of the second set of users including instantcommunication messages transmitted through the media system between aplurality of users of the second set of users, media consumed by atleast a second user of the second set of users through the media system,and content items endorsed by at least the second user of the second setof users; causing a first update of a personal portal of the mediasystem, the personal portal being associated with the first user of thefirst set of users, the first update being based on the monitoring ofthe first user activity of the first set of users on the media system;and causing a second update of a celebrity portal of the media system,the celebrity portal being associated with the second user of the secondset of users, the second update being based on the monitoring of thesecond user activity of the second set of users on the media system. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the systemto perform: sharing at least a portion of the first user activity withone or more other users of the first set of users linked to the firstuser, the causing the first update being based on the sharing.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the instructions further cause the system toperform: sharing at least a portion of the second user activity with oneor more other users of the second set of users linked to the seconduser, the causing the second update being based on the sharing.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the media content includes streaming media,on-demand media content, live media content, broadcast media content,video games, and music.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein market contentincludes digital media and physical goods available for purchase throughthe media system.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the media consumedcomprises historical and current media consumption.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first user activity includes one or more users ofthe second set of users that the first user is subscribed to.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the instant communication messagesoriginating from any of the second set of users are limited to beingsent to one or more other users of the second set of users.
 9. A method,the method being implemented by a computing system including one or moreprocessors and storage media storing machine-readable instructions, themethod comprising: monitoring first user activity of a first set ofusers on a media system, the first set of users being associated with afirst set of system privileges, the media system capable of providingmedia content, social content, and market content to the first set ofusers, the first user activity of the first set of users includinginstant communication messages transmitted through the media systembetween a plurality of users of the first set of users, media consumedby at least a first user of the first set of users through the mediasystem, and purchases made through the media system by at least thefirst user of the first set of users; monitoring second user activity ofa second set of users on the media system, the second set of users beingassociated with a second set of system privileges, the second useractivity of the second set of users including instant communicationmessages transmitted through the media system between a plurality ofusers of the second set of users, media consumed by at least a seconduser of the second set of users through the media system, and contentitems endorsed by at least the second user of the second set of users;causing a first update of a personal portal of the media system, thepersonal portal being associated with the first user of the first set ofusers, the first update being based on the monitoring of the first useractivity of the first set of users on the media system; and causing asecond update of a celebrity portal of the media system, the celebrityportal being associated with the second user of the second set of users,the second update being based on the monitoring of the second useractivity of the second set of users on the media system.
 10. The methodof claim 9, further comprising: sharing at least a portion of the firstuser activity with one or more other users of the first set of userslinked to the first user, the causing the first update being based onthe sharing.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: sharing atleast a portion of the second user activity with one or more other usersof the second set of users linked to the second user, the causing thesecond update being based on the sharing.
 12. The method of claim 9,wherein the media content includes streaming media, on-demand mediacontent, live media content, broadcast media content, video games, andmusic.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein market content includesdigital media and physical goods available for purchase through themedia system.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the media consumedcomprises historical and current media consumption.
 15. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the first user activity includes one or more users ofthe second set of users that the first user is subscribed to.
 16. Themethod of claim 9, wherein the instant communication messagesoriginating from any of the second set of users are limited to beingsent to one or more other users of the second set of users.
 17. Anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that,when executed, cause one or more processors to perform: monitoring firstuser activity of a first set of users on a media system, the first setof users being associated with a first set of system privileges, themedia system capable of providing media content, social content, andmarket content to the first set of users, the first user activity of thefirst set of users including instant communication messages transmittedthrough the media system between a plurality of users of the first setof users, media consumed by at least a first user of the first set ofusers through the media system, and purchases made through the mediasystem by at least the first user of the first set of users; monitoringsecond user activity of a second set of users on the media system, thesecond set of users being associated with a second set of systemprivileges, the second user activity of the second set of usersincluding instant communication messages transmitted through the mediasystem between a plurality of users of the second set of users, mediaconsumed by at least a second user of the second set of users throughthe media system, and content items endorsed by at least the second userof the second set of users; causing a first update of a personal portalof the media system, the personal portal being associated with the firstuser of the first set of users, the first update being based on themonitoring of the first user activity of the first set of users on themedia system; and causing a second update of a celebrity portal of themedia system, the celebrity portal being associated with the second userof the second set of users, the second update being based on themonitoring of the second user activity of the second set of users on themedia system.
 18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim17, further comprising: Sharing at least a portion of the first useractivity with one or more other users of the first set of users linkedto the first user, the causing the first update being based on thesharing.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,further comprising: sharing at least a portion of the second useractivity with one or more other users of the second set of users linkedto the second user, the causing the second update being based on thesharing.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17,wherein the media content includes streaming media, on-demand mediacontent, live media content, broadcast media content, video games, andmusic.